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inside
4/15
columns 21 Family Matters Letting It Go: Escape the Icy Grip of Frozen and Other Childhood Obsessions 24 The Learning Curve Learning by Heart: Teachers Use Positive Relationships to Reach and Teach Their Students 28 Family Connections Proceed With Caution: Setting Limits on Social Media 30 Lifelines Soft Touch: Carefully Select Your Medical Team for a Child With Autism
12 Different, Not Less: Autism Society Supports Children and Their Families
63 Ten Things…to Do With Hard-Boiled Eggs 72 Films Coming Soon to Theaters 72 Humor Birdmom or (The Unexpected Virtue of Being a Stay-at-Home Mom)
calendar 62 Family Events 68 Parenting Events 69 Story Times
18 Cloth Diapers Go Green with a Rainbow of Options
32 Effective Stepparenting: 5 Tips for a Lasting, Loving Relationship
extras 39 40 60 61
Education Guide Summer Camp Guide Readers Poll Ballot Focus on Doctors
2015 Readers Poll ballot on page 60
in every issue 7 8 60
Play It Safe Product Recalls Around Austin Kidzone by Thinkery Make a Ladybug Friend
artículos en español 22 Déjalo Ir Escapar de las Garras Heladas de Frozen y Otras Obsesiones de la Niñez 26 Aprendizaje de Corazón Los Maestros Utilizan Relaciones Positivas Para Lograr Alcanzar y Enseñar a Sus Alumnos 67 Piensa Positivo El Reconocimiento
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austinfamily®
editor’s note by Sherida Mock
April 2015 This month, for our coverage of April as Autism Awareness Month, I spent a bit of time with some incredibly special families. And I came away with two important lessons. The first is about purpose. I’m in awe of what individuals can accomplish when the chips are down, from the parents who struggle daily to secure resources for their children to Jason Cherry, a racecar driver who advocates for the Autism Society. Cherry, who has an adult sibling with autism, races a car that prominently displays the Autism Society logo. He hosted a group of families in the paddock at the Circuit of the Americas track a few weeks ago. His mom Cathy says that when Jason started racing, he wanted to do so for a cause. “Life is about doing a mission, not about doing stuff,” she says. Inspiring words. The second lesson is about kindness. More than once, the families I met talked about the challenges no one else sees: the hurt over being left off the guest list of parties; the grief in hearing about peers reaching milestones; the worry over what the future holds. Parents—and siblings—of children with disabilities would appreciate a welcoming gesture. Don’t hesitate to reach out. Above all, these families are strong and loving. I hope their stories will engage and enlighten you as much as they did me.
Volume 23, No. 1
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, Jennifer VanBuren, Dr. Betty Richardson, Richard Singleton, Carrie Taylor, Laura Reagan-Porras, Nayeli Pagaza and Dr. Theresa Willis 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 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 2015. All rights reserved. No portion of Austin Family may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher.
6 April 2015 | austinfamily.com
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play it safe: product recalls
Government Recalls Bassinets, High Chairs and Bikes Dream on Me is recalling about 13,000 2-in-1 bassinet to cradles because the wire supports on the sides of the bassinet can disconnect, causing the fabric sides to lower. This poses a risk that infants can fall out or become entrapped and suffocate. The recall involves the 2-in-1 Bassinet to Cradle, sold in pink, blue, green and white. The bassinet has metal frame supports and fabric sides with a removable half-canopy on the top. Affected units were sold online at Amazon.com, Walmart.com, Wayfair. com, ToysRUs.com and Kohls.com from May 2012 to October 2014 for about $60. Consumers should immediately stop using the product and contact Dream on Me to obtain a free repair. In the meantime, parents are urged to find an alternate, safe sleeping environment for the child, such as a crib that meets current safety standards or play yard, depending on the child’s age. Mima is recalling about 1,470 Moon 3-in-1 high chairs because the high chair seat can loosen and dislodge, allowing the seat and child to fall. The recall involves Moon model 3-in-1 high chairs, which adjust to a newborn, high and junior chair with a unique design consisting of a base with two feet supporting a single post that holds up the seat in a clear shell. The shell has a white inner seat with a removable seat pad in white, camel or black. The majority of the high chairs were given away at the May 9, 2014, taping of the Ellen DeGeneres television show. The remaining chairs were sold at children’s juvenile product stores in 11 states, including Texas. Consumers should stop using the high chair immediately and contact Mima to receive a free replacement upper chair section or instructions on receiving a refund. Marin Mountain Bikes is recalling about 400 MBX 50 and Tiny Trail bicycles because the handlebars can loosen or separate during use. This can cause the rider to lose control and/or crash, posing the risk of injury. The recall involves Marin 2014 model MBX 50 and Tiny Trail boys and girls bicycles with 16-inch knobby tires. The single speed bicycles have high-rise handlebars and training wheels. The boy’s bicycles were sold in red and have serial number HA14980XXXXXX. The girl’s bicycles were sold in purple and have serial number HA14982XXXXXX. Affected units were sold at bicycle stores nationwide from September 2013 through December 2014 for about $250. Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled bicycle and contact Marin for a replacement handlebar stem. 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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austinfamily.com | April 2015 | 7
around austin Go to www.austinfamily.com for weekly updates of Around Austin news
Must-Do This Month
Calling All Student Heroes
Plan that garage sale you keep talking about. It’s time to make a little dough on the baby gear, clothes and toys the kids have outgrown.
The State Board of Education is now accepting nominations for its inaugural Student Heroes Award, a new student recognition program approved by the Board in February.
Go camping. With their cool nights and mild daytime temperatures, April and November are the best months for comfortable camping weather in Texas.
The Student Heroes program recognizes Texas public school students in pre-K through high school who do outstanding things to benefit their fellow students. One student from each of the 15 Board districts will be recognized. The deadline for nominations is April 16. Recipients will be announced in May. For award requirements and other information, visit tea.texas.gov.
Share your occupation with your kids. April 23 is National Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day.
30 Years
BY THE NUMBERS
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Texas commemorated its 30th anniversary with a special exhibit at Dell Children’s Hospital February 25 through March 18. The backlit display featured 30 mini stories—one for each year celebrated. The exhibit is on display for threeweek intervals throughout Central Texas at various locations during 2015.
3,800
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Texas provides support for the families of critically ill or injured children receiving treatment in Austin-area hospitals.
Pregnant Teens Using Alcohol New research from UT Austin finds that many teenagers, especially younger teens, may not be getting the message about the risks of using alcohol and other drugs during pregnancy — but that having involved parents and being engaged academically can help.
Number of diaper changes a typical baby goes through in his first two and a half years. Source: Mother Jones
8 April 2015 | austinfamily.com
The study found that nearly 3 in 5 pregnant teens reported having used one or more substances in the previous 12 months. The study also suggests that use of these substances continues during pregnancy for many
teens, particularly younger ones. The most commonly used substance is alcohol (16 percent), followed closely by cannabis (14 percent), and finally other illicit drugs (5 percent). “Mothers’ substance use during pregnancy can have important consequences for the health and development of newborn babies,” said Assistant Professor Christopher Salas-Wright, leader of the study. “Despite efforts to prevent substance use among pregnant teens, our findings suggest that we still have a lot of work to do.”
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Applause, Applause Students from 26 area high schools find out April 14 who will take home awards in the 2nd annual Greater Austin High School Musical Theatre Awards at the Long Center. Over 400 students will perform at the ceremony.
The event honors outstanding student achievements in 15 categories, ranging from set design and musical direction to acting and production. A panel of judges attends each competing show and chooses the 136 nominees.
Online Safety Course On March 5, area Girl Scouts and their families attended a handson workshop on internet safety sponsored by Girl Scouts of Central Texas, Time Warner Cable and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. The event provided parents and children with an overview of how to keep safe online, as well as information on home and network device security.
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Discussions on parental controls, home network security and top tips for teens on cyberbullying and sexting were part of the program.
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austinfamily.com | April 2015 | 9
YAGP dancers participated in multiple workshops, such as this ballet technique class led by Mikhail Tchoupakov and hosted at the Ballet Austin studios.
en pointe In February, hundreds of ballet dancers ages 9 to 19 auditioned for the Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP) regional semi-finals at the Texas School for the Deaf. Throughout the weekend, students attended workshops, competitions and dance classes. Selected competitors continued to the finals in New York. Each year, YAGP awards more than $250,000 a year in scholarships to send young dancers to schools and dance companies.
10 April 2015 | austinfamily.com
Austin Family Wins
Tiegan, 11, a student of Round Rock Repertory Dance Centre, poses after dancing in the pre-competitive group of the classical dance category.
At the recent Parenting Media Association (PMA) meeting, Sherida Mock, editor of Austin Family Magazine, was awarded a Bronze award for her article “Focus on the positives, the Jodi Sorenson story.” The association’s Editorial and Design Awards Competition recognizes excellence in journalism, photography and design achieved by publishers, editors, writers and designers in member publications. Established in March 1988, PMA is a national trade association of regional parenting publications spanning from Seattle to Boston and from Minneapolis to Miami. Publications in Canada and Australia are also active members. Congratulations, Sherida!
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Sleep Tight Factory Mattress has donated 32 mattresses to the Texas Baptist Children’s Home in Round Rock. This donation allows the home to serve an additional seven single-mother families and their children. “Factory Mattress is passionate about giving back to our community, and when we realized this organization had a need, we wanted to help,� said Steve Frye, owner of Factory Mattress. The mattresses were delivered in February.
Wellness News Huston-Tillotson University and the Dell Medical School at UT Austin have partnered to help underserved residents of Austin get and stay healthy. A wellness center, to be named the Sandra Joy Anderson Community Health and Wellness Center at HustonTillotson, will be run by a faculty member jointly appointed by both universities. The schools plan to hire a team to produce training programs, new models of care and research. The center will provide health services and medical student training. The center will also address mental health needs in East Austin and communities with disproportionate burdens of mental illness.
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austinfamily.com | April 2015 | 11
Different, Not Less Autism Society Supports Children and Their Families
Josh and Suzanne Potts with their sons, Sean (left) and Luke (right). Luke was diagnosed with autism at age 5.
by Sherida Mock
April is National Autism Awareness Month, so we asked Suzanne Potts, executive director of the Autism Society of Central Texas, to tell us more about the disorder and how it affects families. 12 April 2015 | austinfamily.com
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Nationally, the U.S. Autism Society celebrates its 50th anniversary this year.
Autism Bike Ride and Fun Run, April 11, Georgetown High School.
Locally, the Autism Society of Central Texas turns 25 in November.
ASCT serves a 24-county area from San Antonio to Waco.
AF: What is autism? SP: Autism is a neurological, developmental disorder typically seen in kids as early as 2. It’s not something that you grow out of. It’s treatable. You can manage symptoms, which is why early intervention is really important. AF: How common is it? SP: Autism rates are growing. We’re at about 1 in 68 in the general population. Boys are four times more likely to be diagnosed with autism than girls. AF: What are the symptoms? SP: They always say, “If you’ve seen one child with autism, you’ve seen one child with autism.” Not all kids with autism have intellectual deficits. Not all kids with autism have speech and language issues. Autism has some trademarks like repetitive movements, speech and language delays, communication delays, obsessive interests and focus areas and the need for “sameness.” It manifests differently in severity and depth of symptoms. Luke, 11, hugs his brother Sean, 9. “One of the biggest myths out there is that children with autism don’t have empathy,” says Suzanne Potts, the boys’ mother and the executive director of the Autism Society of Central Texas.
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austinfamily.com | April 2015 | 13
Services of the Autism Society of Central Texas • Information referral “We have a resource guide–56 pages of local providers: ABA, speech, language, occupational therapy, play dates, developmental, even dentists and eye doctors. We get about 44 calls a month. We serve all ages and all stages,” says Potts. • Support “We offer face-to-face support groups, a Yahoo group and social media where families can engage and get resources.” • Recreation “We are able to reach out and coordinate for families at places such as Mt. Playmore and sensory-friendly performances.” • Advocacy “We provide information to the legislature, coordinating with other advocacy groups that are helping to support families with autism.” • Education “We have information on our website and through our provider network. We also offer trainings, for example, Nickerson Law Group did a thing on special needs trusts.”
14 April 2015 | austinfamily.com
Racecar driver Jason Cherry provided the Autism Society with tickets to the Circuit of the Americas so that families could visit the paddock area and observe the races.
It’s easy to overlook those red flags or not be sure. For example, any time my son had a Big Wheel, he would turn it upside down and spin it. We thought, “He’s an engineer like his grandpa.” Early intervention is so critical. If you are concerned, talk with your pediatrician and get a referral. There are developmental pediatricians and neurologists, folks in town that can do a full assessment and look a little bit deeper. AF: What early interventions can help? SP: The first thing you should do if your kid is not talking is get to speech therapy. There’s occupational therapy
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and physical therapy, if you have fine motor or gross motor delays. Balance and coordination is sometimes an issue. But the biggest is applied behavioral analysis, or ABA, therapy; it’s evidencebased treatment that restricts negative behaviors and encourages positive behaviors. So, for example, my son doesn’t make good eye contact. He’s working with an ABA therapist to
accommodations don’t cost anything: adjusting the work schedule, allowing the use of a different computer monitor, letting them communicate electronically or letting them work independently. Depending on their level of skill and communication, people with autism can do anything. We’ve seen some kids do really well. There are so many
great examples of young adults who are thriving and doing quite well. AF: What’s it like to have a child with autism in the family? SP: It’s hard, as a parent. We see a lot of fatigue and exhaustion in our families. Some of our kids don’t sleep well. They’ve got food issues. Every experience, you have to be ready for and explain and plan. Sometimes you continued on page 16
Racecar driver Jason Cherry and Marcus, 11, at the Pirelli World Challenge Races at the Circuit of the Americas in March. Marcus’s mom, Patty, said, “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for us. He loves cars.”
look at her and respond the first time, instead of ignoring and looking away. We don’t prescribe any single treatment. We understand that families want to have a choice. We encourage families to work with their medical professional and choose the best option for their family member. AF: What are the challenges for an adult with autism? SP: There are hundreds of thousands of kids transitioning out of the school system, and there’s not a strong system in place. They may be able to function in a university or community college. Trying to help with social skills is ongoing. Individuals with autism don’t read social cues well. Our kids are four times more likely to be the victim of a crime. Housing is a whole other issue. If you can’t get a job or can’t go to school, where do you live? Employment is a huge issue. We talk a lot with employers about providing accommodations. Most Pick us up at HEB, Whole Foods and Central Market
austinfamily.com | April 2015 | 15
16 April 2015 | austinfamily.com
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continued from page 15
Include them in events, even if they have challenging behaviors or don’t communicate well. They still have feelings.
just want to stay home and not worry about it. We see a lot of isolation. We want our families to go out and experience the world like anybody else. We love sensory-friendly movies, for example. We have a partnership with AMC Theaters. Once a month, they dim the lights, but don’t completely darken the room. They lower the volume. You can bring in your own food if you have dietary restrictions. Kids can walk up and down the aisles and it’s no big deal. It’s so nice. The challenge for loved ones and siblings is often great. We have a lot of hurt feelings with families that get excluded and left out. We don’t get invited to birthday parties, and that’s heartbreaking. Things like kids going to a dance or getting their driver’s license or graduating can be painful for some
Temple Grandin, a prominent author and speaker on the subject of autism, poses in February with the Schaefers, a local family active in the Autism Society. Grandin herself was diagnosed with autism in childhood. “She gives us such hope,” says Potts. “She’s got a Ph.D. She does talks; she writes books.” Photo by Mandy Earnshaw.
families, because that may not be something that they can experience in the same way or at the same time. AF: How about advice for the rest of us? SP: If you know children with autism, engage them and welcome them. Include them in birthday parties.
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Always remember that they are a person first, even if they’re non-verbal. They’re still a person who has thoughts and feelings and emotions. So if you’re not sure how to talk with someone with a disability or with autism, ask their family or loved one or ask them directly. “How’s he doing? How is therapy going?” Just be as inclusive and welcoming as possible. Have play dates and invite him to birthday parties. And if a child does melt down at a birthday party, it’s nice to have someone say, “Can I do anything? Can I help you?” Just be there with him. Don’t give him the stink eye. “Different, not less” is our national slogan.
austinfamily.com | April 2015 | 17
Cloth Diapers Go Green with a Rainbow of Options by Nayeli Pagaza
Gone are the days when all babies were wrapped in the same large cloth diaper with bulky pins that could easily poke or pinch a baby’s tender skin. The safer, built-in features and wide array of colors have made cloth diapers a cool accessory for a baby’s bottom. The movement in recent years for less waste and more eco-friendly products has prompted parents to make the switch. Luckily, a multitude of services and community groups make it easy to go green in Austin. “Moms feel welcomed, safe and supported here,” said Phyllis Brasenell, owner of Austin Born, a one-stop shopping service for women during pregnancy and early parenting.
18 April 2015 | austinfamily.com
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Which Is Greener? Hearing that it takes potentially hundreds of years—even the experts can’t agree on exactly how long—for a disposable diaper to decompose has many parents worried about the environmental impact their baby leaves behind. According to 2010 data from the Environmental Protection Agency, about 3.5 million tons of disposable diapers go into our landfills each year. Add to this that many parents aren’t aware of the American Public Health Association’s (APHA) recommendation to discard fecal matter in a toilet— whether using cloth or disposable diapers. The APHA says fecal matter poses “health risks to sanitation workers and threatens to contaminate ground water.” Still, many argue that the environmental effects of using cloth diapers versus disposable diapers are comparable, when you account for the costs of raw material, electricity, water and environmental pollution. But Janae Dunn, a maternity consultant and doula with Stork Maternity Consulting in Austin, finds that parents are mostly concerned with health and safety. “Disposable diapers can cause a lot of skin irritation and can chemically burn a baby—even exacerbate the effects of dry skin and eczema,” she says. “They contain dioxin, a toxic chemical that could potentially expose babies to harmful carcinogens.”
Let’s Talk Numbers Top-of-the-line, premium pocket diapers (which contain snaps, micro fiber and micro fleece) may not be cheap, as it may cost $35 to buy just one. And that can seem like a lot when a pack of 100 disposables may cost only $15. But it is also important to note that a baby can
go through 2,788 diapers in their first year alone, and a return on investment is inevitable. “Pre-fold diapers cost $2.50, and can be a very good option for parents,” says Jorge Galindo, owner of Diaper Squad, a pickup laundering service in Austin. Knowing how many diapers to buy depends greatly on how often parents plan on washing diapers and the age of the baby. Newborns will need more diapers (about 8 to 15 a day) and will therefore need about 30 diapers, if a parent plans on washing every other day. In contrast, a toddler may go through about 18 to 20 diapers in a couple of days. Because cloth diapers can be so pricey, Dunn advises moms to buy two diapers each month before the baby arrives. “They should also add this important item to their registry list,” Dunn suggests.
Shopping List • 3 waterproof covers • 30 diapers (to wash every day or every other day) • Zippered bag or wet bag (to hold soiled diapers when out and about) • Diaper pail (look into both “wet” and “dry” options) • Cloth diaper inserts or liners • Cloth wipes • Handful of eco-friendly disposable diapers (for camping or lastminute emergencies) • Optional: Sprayer, used to rinse waste into the toilet (A DIY sprayer can be made with materials found at the hardware store.) • DIY detergent
Leah Frederick, co-founder of Stork Maternity Consulting, adds that before committing to just one brand, parents should invest in buying several different brands of cloth diapers to see which works best for them, and then buy a whole stash.
• Prefolds—require folding and a separate waterproof wrap, with fasteners used in some cases.
Simple Systems
Why Choose Cloth?
There are several types of cloth diapers on the market, made of wool, hemp, natural cotton and bamboo fibers. Most diapers are now fitted and fastened with poppers or hook-and-loop straps instead of pins. Diaper systems include: • All-in-ones—shaped and fitted, with hook-and-loop or popper fastenings that include a waterproof cover. No folding or pinning is required. • Shaped cloth diapers—similar to allin-ones, but wraps or pants must be purchased separately to provide the waterproof cover. These do not require folding and are fastened with hook-and-loop fasteners or poppers.
“Cloth diapers can be reused for other children if they are properly cleaned, packaged and stored,” says Galindo.
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Frederick, who is also a registered nurse, says many parents find that cloth diapering reduces a child’s time to learn toileting. As a child feels less comfortable being in a wet cloth diaper, they have an incentive to stay dry. When the diapers are no longer needed, parents can donate them to moms who cannot afford to buy them. “We’ve helped over a thousand moms, but we are still only reaching a tenth of the
austinfamily.com | April 2015 | 19
need in Travis county alone,” says Beverly Hamilton, founder of Austin Diaper Bank.
What About Leaving the House? For parents on the go, Brasenell suggests packing plastic zippered or reusable wet bags to store soiled diapers. “Parents can also buy flushable liners, which insert inside a diaper and are discarded after use.” Investing in a stash of eco-friendly, disposable diapers that are biodegradable and chlorine-free may also be advisable for babysitters and day cares.
Laundering Service or Home Laundry? For parents who work outside the home, do not have time to launder or do not have easy access to a washing machine, a service launderer such as Diaper Squad may be the best thing. Galindo, who caters to families who live in and around the Austin area, says once-a-week laundering service can cost about $85 a month. Nayeli Pagaza is an Austin-based freelance writer and mother to a 4 year old, adventurous boy. She loves to explore Austin’s trails and lakes with her family.
20 April 2015 | austinfamily.com
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family matters by Dr. Betty Richardson
Letting It Go
Q
Escape the Icy Grip of Frozen and Other Childhood Obsessions Our 4-year-old daughter Lucy is obsessed with princesses and everything about them. She has princess dolls, a play castle and storybooks about princesses, which she wants us to read to her every night. She imagines she was born a princess, and we are not her real family. She drives me crazy singing “Let it Go” from the movie Frozen. I’m tired of reading the same stories and buying princess things. How can we tell if this is normal or not? Does her behavior point to autism or obsessive-compulsive disorder? What is the best way to deal with it?
A. You are describing behavior that is common in
preschoolers. One theory is that toddlers and preschool children are going through a lot of change in their lives, such as giving up naps, getting a new babysitter, changing to a big kid bed and possibly even getting a new sibling. These changes can be difficult for a preschool child—much less an older child. Fixating on one interest provides the child a sense of control and feels comforting. Another theory is that children’s minds are still developing, which means they handle single interests better and will move on to more interests as the brain develops. Many children Lucy’s age— and even older—focus on a single interest. I’ve known children who focused intently on fire fighting, sharks, sports cars, playing schoolteacher and many other subjects. So, how can you tell if an obsession is normal? If she socializes with other children (even in parallel play) and lets other children join in her princess play, that’s a good clue that her play is normal. Children with the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are very likely not to let other children play with their belongings or engage in play around their single interest. These children are concerned with the placement and order of their things and often become upset when that order is disrupted. As for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), remember that OCD is an anxiety disorder with two components. The obsessive component consists of intrusive, unwanted, repetitive (often scary) thoughts. Kids with OCD have repeated thoughts that something could be harmful, dangerous, wrong or dirty, or that bad things could happen. For example, instead of just being interested in fire fighting, the child may hear a siren and have repeated thoughts that there is a fire in his home, that he caused it even if he didn’t, or that his family will burn up in Pick us up at HEB, Whole Foods and Central Market
the fire. The child may have urges to repeatedly do something in order to stop scary thoughts. Rituals relieve the anxiety, but are not comforting or normal. The child with OCD may feel frightened, out of control and alone. Knowing this, you will likely see that Lucy has normal behavior her age. What can you do about her obsession? Here are some suggestions:
1. Set limits around her interest.
Make rules about how long and when she can play princess. 2. Expand her outlook. At the bookstore or library, ask her to choose one book on her interest and one on something else. 3. Encourage healthy behaviors. For example, princesses eat nutritious foods, brush their teeth with a princess toothbrush and get plenty of beauty sleep. 4. Bond with her. Join in the princess play by wearing a crown and playing a queen. If it’s true, you might share that you once thought you were a princess, too.
Keep in mind that it’s not unusual for gifted kids to be obsessed with any number of seemingly normal interests or things that don’t seem normal or appeal to you. Hopefully, your Lucy’s behavior seems normal after reading this. But if not, it would be helpful to have her evaluated by your pediatrician, who is expert in identifying behavior that falls outside the norm and referring parents to services for help.
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. austinfamily.com | April 2015 | 21
family matters by Dr. Betty Richardson
Dé jalo Ir
Escapar de las Garras Heladas de Frozen y Otras Obsesiones de la Niñez
P
Nuestra hija Lucy de 4 años de edad está obsesionada con las princesas y todo sobre ellas. Tiene muñecas de princesas, un castillo de juguete y libros de cuentos sobre princesas, que quiere que le leamos todas las noches. Se imagina que nació siendo una princesa, y que no somos su verdadera familia. Me vuelve loca cantando “Let It Go” de la película Frozen. Estoy cansada de leer las mismas historias y comprar cosas de princesas. ¿Cómo podemos saber si esto es normal o no? ¿Su comportamiento apunta a autismo o trastorno obsesivo-compulsivo? ¿Cuál es la mejor manera de lidiar con esto?
R. Usted está describiendo un comportamiento que es común
en niños de preescolar. Una teoría es que los niños pequeños y niños de preescolar están pasando por muchos cambios en sus vidas, tales como renunciar a la siesta, obtener una nueva niñera, cambiar a una cama para niños grandes y posiblemente incluso recibir un nuevo hermano. Estos cambios pueden ser difíciles para un niño de preescolar—mucho menos un niño mayor. Fijarse en un sólo interés ofrece al niño una sensación de control y se siente reconfortante. Otra teoría es que las mentes de los niños aun están en desarrollo, lo que significa que manejan mejor el interés individual y van a pasar a más intereses conforme se desarrolla el cerebro. Muchos niños de la edad de Lucy—incluso mayores— se enfocan en un sólo interés. He conocido niños que se enfocan intensamente en la lucha contra incendios, tiburones, coches deportivos, jugar a ser maestro de escuela y muchos otros temas. Entonces, ¿cómo puede saber si una obsesión es normal? Si ella socializa con otros niños (incluso en el juego paralelo) y deja a otros niños participar en su juego de la princesa, esto sería un buen indicio de que su juego es normal. Los niños con el diagnóstico de Trastorno del Espectro Autista (ASD, por sus siglas en inglés) es muy probable que no deje que otros niños jueguen con sus pertenencias o participen en juegos en torno a su único interés. Estos niños están preocupados por la colocación y el orden de sus cosas y a menudo se molestan cuando ese orden se altera. En cuanto al Trastorno Obsesivo-Compulsivo (OCD, por sus siglas en inglés), recuerde que el OCD es un trastorno de ansiedad con dos componentes. El componente obsesivo consiste en pensamientos intrusivos, no deseados, recurrentes (a menudo de miedo). Los niños con OCD tienen pensamientos recurrentes que algunas veces podrían ser nocivos, peligrosos, malos o sucios, o que cosas malas pueden suceder. Por ejemplo, en lugar de sólo estar interesado en la lucha contra incendios, el niño puede escuchar una sirena y tener pensamientos
22 April 2015 | austinfamily.com
recurrentes en donde hay un incendio en su casa causado por él, aunque él no lo haya hecho, o que su familia se quemará en el fuego. El niño puede tener impulsos de hacer repetidamente algo con el fin de parar los pensamientos de miedo. Los rituales alivian la ansiedad, pero no son reconfortantes o normales. El niño con OCD puede sentirse asustado fuera de control y solo. Después de todo esto, usted probablemente vea que Lucy tiene un comportamiento normal para su edad. ¿Qué se puede hacer acerca de su obsesión? He aquí algunas sugerencias:
1. Ponga límites alrededor de su
interés. Establezca reglas acerca de cuánto tiempo y cuando ella puede jugar princesa. 2. Amplié su perspectiva. En la librería o biblioteca, pídale que elija un libro sobre su interés y uno en otra cosa. 3. Fomente conductas saludables. Por ejemplo, las princesas comen alimentos nutritivos, se cepillan los dientes con un cepillo dental de la princesa y duermen bien para mantenerse bellas. 4. Forme vínculos con ella. Participe en el juego de la princesa al usar una corona y jugar que usted es la reina. Si bien es cierto, usted podría compartir que una vez pensó que era una princesa, también. Tenga en cuenta que no es inusual para los niños superdotados estar obsesionados con cualquier número de intereses aparentemente normales o cosas que a usted no le parecen normales o que no le atraen. Con suerte, el comportamiento de Lucy parece normal después de leer esto. Pero si no, sería conveniente que fuera evaluada por su pediatra, quien es experto en la identificación de comportamientos que caen fuera de la norma y referir a los padres a servicios de ayuda. 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. View the magazine online at austinfamily.com
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the learning curve by Jennifer VanBuren
Learning by Heart Teachers Use Positive Relationships to Reach and Teach Their Students find your seats. Get out your homework if you have it, which you probably don’t.” Within the first few seconds, these teachers have set a tone for the class period. Which scenario do you think makes children more likely to learn? To have positive interactions with their peers? To treat their teacher with respect?
A positive classroom environment is key to building relationships among students.
24 April 2015 | austinfamily.com
I
magine you are a student walking into a classroom. The teacher stands at the door and cheerfully greets you by name. She may say something personal like, “I hear you had a rough game last night. Are you okay?” Or maybe she says, “Thank you for being on time; I’m glad you’re here.” Now imagine walking into another classroom. The teacher frantically shuffles through the papers on her desk. She doesn’t acknowledge you when you come in. As the bell rings, she looks up, exasperated, and says sarcastically, “Oh good, at least some of you managed to
Students who have friendly, positive relationships with their teachers are more likely to feel a personal connection that encourages trust, finds Sara Rimm-Kaufman, Ph.D., from the University of Virginia. In turn, this encourages students to confide in a teacher when they have trouble with homework or problems with bullying, she writes in her review of research for the American Psychological Association, titled, “Improving Students’ Relationships with Teachers to Provide Essential Supports for Learning.”
Honor Role
What can teachers do? For starters, get to know each student. Granted, this can be difficult for middle school and high school teachers, who have five or six classes of 32 students each. It’s possible, though. At a minimum, she can learn
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her students’ names and use them every time she speaks to them. True, it is the student’s responsibility to learn and succeed, but a teacher invested in that success makes a big difference. A positive classroom environment is key to building relationships among students, as well. And more than most, the difficult students need to feel emotional connections with their teachers and peers. Teachers can increase engagement and decrease disruptive behavior by giving praise and guidance instead of criticism.
often push them to “toughen up” and become independent to the point of not seeking motivation and support. Does the push for academic progress and standardized testing leave less room for building relationships? Actually, many teachers find that positive relationships help them reach and teach their students.
As adults, we know what kind of boss we would prefer. Students want the same from their teachers. We all appreciate being addressed with respect, receiving support when needed and having our hard work acknowledged. Jennifer VanBuren is a Georgetown mother of three school-aged children, an educator and a childbirth doula.
The relationship itself is not the end goal; instruction and personal development are. A teacher must convey that what she teaches is important to her. Does the content interest her? Is she passionate about the material? Teachers that hold their students to high—but appropriate—standards show that they believe their students can reach those standards.
Show-and-Tell
As parents, how can we help teachers build positive relationships with our children? We should expect our children to treat teachers with respect. We should model forgiveness and stress offering second chances. We can remind our children that teachers are only human. They will lose patience, make mistakes and may resort to sarcasm. We should remind our children of the limitations placed on teachers because of overcrowded classrooms and limited time outside of class hours. For preschoolers, we can practice behaviors that lead to positive teacherchild relationships. Get down on their level, make eye contact and have faceto-face interactions. Use calm and pleasant voices and greet children warmly. Really listen to what they have to say. Respond quickly and compassionately to their struggles. When a child cries out, provide comfort. Set up and teach expectations. Model appropriate behaviors. Give praise when expectations are met and acknowledge effort.
That’ll Teach ’Em
We rarely question the importance of strong and positive relationships among the littlest students and their teachers. How sad that as children get older, we Pick us up at HEB, Whole Foods and Central Market
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the learning curve by Jennifer VanBuren
Aprendizaje de Corazón
Los Maestros Utilizan Relaciones Positivas Para Lograr Alcanzar y Enseñar a Sus Alumnos Dentro de esos primeros segundos, estas maestras han establecido una pauta para el período de clase. ¿Cual escenario piensa usted que haga que los niños sean más propensos a aprender? ¿A tener interacciones positivas con sus compañeros? ¿A tratar a sus maestros con respeto?
Un ambiente positivo en el salón de clase es la clave para construir relaciones entre los estudiantes.
I
magine que usted es un estudiante entrando al salón de clases. La maestra está parada junto a la puerta y con gusto le saluda por su nombre. Puede que diga algo personal como, “Escuche que tuvieron un juego difícil anoche. ¿Está bien?” o tal vez ella dice, “Gracias por llegar a tiempo; me alegro que esté aquí.” Ahora imagine entrar a otro salón de clases. La maestra frenéticamente busca entre los papeles sobre su escritorio. Ella no le toma en cuenta cuando usted entra. Cuando suena la campana, mira hacia arriba, exasperada, y dice con sarcasmo, “Ah bueno, al menos algunos de ustedes lograron encontrar sus asientos. Saque su tarea si la tiene, que lo más probable es que no.”
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Los estudiantes que tiene una relación amistosa y positiva con sus maestros son más propensos a sentir una conexión personal que fomenta la confianza, encuentra Sara Rimm-Kaufman, Ph.D., de la Universidad de Virginia. A su vez, esto estimula a los estudiantes a confiar en un maestro cuando tienen problemas con las tareas o problemas con la intimidación, escribe en su revisión de la investigación para la Asociación Americana de Psicología, titulado, “Mejorar las Relaciones de los Estudiantes con los Maestros para Proporcionar Apoyos Esenciales para el Aprendizaje.”
La Función del Maestro
¿Qué pueden hacer los maestros? Para empezar, llegar a conocer a cada estudiante. Por supuesto, esto puede ser difícil para los maestros de secundaria y preparatoria, quienes tienen cinco o seis clases de 32 estudiantes en cada uno. Sin embargo, es posible. Como mínimo, puede aprender los nombres de sus estudiantes y usarlos cada vez que habla con ellos. Es cierto que es la responsabilidad del estudiante de aprender y tener éxito, pero un maestro invertido en ese éxito hace una gran diferencia. También, un ambiente positivo en el salón de clase es la clave para construir relaciones entre los estudiantes.
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Y más que todos, los estudiantes difíciles necesitan sentir conexiones emocionales con sus maestros y compañeros. Los maestros pueden aumentar la participación y reducir el comportamiento destructivo dando elogios y orientación en lugar de críticas. La relación en sí, no es la meta final; la instrucción y el desarrollo personal sí lo son. Un maestro debe trasmitir que lo que enseña es importante para él. ¿Le interesa el contenido? ¿Le apasiona el material? Los maestros que mantienen a sus estudiantes en altos— pero apropiados—estándares, muestran que creen que sus estudiantes pueden alcanzar esos estándares.
y hacerse independientes al punto de no buscar la motivación y el apoyo. ¿Acaso, el empujar para el progreso académico y las pruebas estandarizadas deja menos lugar para construir relaciones? En realidad, muchos maestros encuentran que las relaciones positivas les ayudan a alcanzar y enseñar a sus estudiantes.
Como adultos, sabemos qué tipo de jefe preferiríamos. Los estudiantes quieren lo mismo de sus maestros. Todos apreciamos ser tratados con respeto, recibiendo apoyo cuando sea necesario y tener nuestro arduo trabajo reconocido.
Jennifer VanBuren es una educadora, madre de tres niños en edad escolar y una doula de parto en Georgetown.
La Función de los Padres de Familia
Como padres, ¿cómo podemos ayudar a los maestros a construir una relación positiva con nuestros hijos? Deberíamos esperar que nuestros hijos traten a los maestros con respeto. Debemos modelar el perdón y enfatizar el ofrecer segundas oportunidades. Podemos recordarles a nuestros hijos que los maestros son seres humanos. Van a perder la paciencia, a cometer errores y hasta podrían recurrir al sarcasmo. Deberíamos recordarles a nuestros hijos sobre las limitaciones impuestas en los maestros a causa de los salones de clase saturados y el tiempo limitado fuera del horario de clase. Para los niños en edad preescolar, podemos practicar comportamientos que conducen a una relación positiva entre maestros y niños. Póngase a su nivel, haga contacto visual y tenga interacciones cara a cara. Utilice voces tranquilas y agradables y salude a los niños cariñosamente. Realmente escuche lo que tienen que decir. Responda rápido y compasivamente cuando están batallando. Cuando un niño llora, proporciónele comodidad. Establezca y enseñe las expectativas. Modele los comportamientos apropiados. Deles elogios cuando se cumplen las expectativas y reconozca el esfuerzo.
Lecciones Duraderas
Rara vez nos cuestionamos la importancia de una relación fuerte y positiva entre los estudiantes más pequeños y sus maestros. Qué triste es que conforme los niños crecen, a menudo los empujamos a “endurecerse” Pick us up at HEB, Whole Foods and Central Market
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family connections by Richard Singleton
Sound familiar? Many of your mornings—and mine—end up being lessons in how to live life on the edge of insanity. We’re tired. We’re overwhelmed. We’re rushed. And, we’re too close to the action to see dangerous ruts that we might be carving into life’s journey. Establishing better boundaries around social media and phone use would be one giant step in the right direction for many of our families. Especially in the light of what seems to be a growing distance between common ground that children and parents share regarding phone use.
If we work on the personal relationships that we have with our children, we will be much more effective at winning their hearts.
T
he morning mad dash. The daily grind. It all seems to blur, but there’s a thread that ties most of it together—a stressed, frayed, about-to-break thread.
The house is buzzing with frenetic activity. Mom is bouncing from room to room, prepping for the day, making lunches, listening to excuses, feeding pets, finding lost keys and forcing the day into motion with each nuanced dance step of multi-tasking magic. Dad is apoplectic. He’s grumbling about work meetings gone awry. He’s frantically searching out missing socks. He’s scarfing down toast, slurping coffee and working himself into a foul mood over chores that have been passively overlooked or persistently avoided. And the kids. Oh, the humanity! The kids are stumbling over piles of laundry, announcing last minute school projects, shaking their fists at responsibility, engaging in a pitched battle in the war of sibling rivalry and all the while, taking gaping gulps of Snapchat and Minecraft.
28 April 2015 | austinfamily.com
Recently, Above the Fray launched a survey that had sobering findings. Above the Fray is a group of young, tech-savvy researchers and social entrepreneurs trying to guide families into a healthier, wiser use of social media. Their tag-line says it all: “empowering safe and responsible social media users.” You can learn more about their work at beabovethefray.org. In their survey, the most shocking realization was that we parents aren’t building awareness and engaging in accountability with our kids’ use of social media. When asked, “Do your parents monitor your social media use or online gaming?” just 18 percent of teens said yes. Seventy percent said no. And 12 percent said they aren’t sure. When asked, “Do your parents know your online account passwords?” an astounding 76 percent said no. Thirteen percent said yes. And 11 percent said they aren’t sure. There are apps that can help provide better control over our children’s use of their phones. For instance, Adelphoi, a start-up in McKinney, Texas, launched a new app for parents called Phone Rules. The app is designed to allow parents to create a child-specific context of healthier phone use. You can ensure that phones are off limits during family time, meals, bedtime and perhaps most importantly, through GPS can prevent texting and driving at the same time
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(maybe we parents need Phone Rules, too!). There are many other apps that provide similar type rule-setting options. I would hasten to remind us of the old truism: “rules without relationships lead to rebellion.” Yes, we need to establish rules about phone and social media use. Yes, there needs to be more control, a healthier use of phones and more accountability provided by parents for their children. The bedrock foundation that this healthy outcome is built upon, however, is the foundation of healthy relationships, not just rules. If we work on the personal relationships that we have with our children, we will be much more effective at winning their hearts. And that might just allow us to get inside those heads of theirs. Then, maybe—just maybe—we’ll start to glimpse the answer to the age old question, “What’s going on that head of yours?” It might be an answer that is all too familiar to us already. Richard Singleton, MACE, MAMFC, LPC, is the executive director at STARRY in Round Rock.
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lifelines by Dr. Theresa Willis
Soft Touch
Carefully Select Your Medical Team for a Child with Autism
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our child’s doctor has said the word “autism.” Now what? Receiving a child’s diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can be overwhelming and confusing. It often leads to more questions and concerns. What does the diagnosis mean? What does the future hold? What do we do next? How do we help our child achieve her full potential? What problems do we need to watch for? Medically speaking, children with ASD have the same medical and health prevention needs as children without disabilities. They need regular well checks, vaccines and screening tests for things like anemia, blood pressure and high cholesterol. Find a pediatrician with whom you and your child are as comfortable as possible. Children with ASD may
30 April 2015 | austinfamily.com
Medically speaking, children with autism have the same medical and health prevention needs as children without disabilities. need more time to warm up to medical staff. A child with ASD may need a few extra minutes before being touched or examined, so patience and a calm approach are important. When it comes time for more invasive procedures, such as a throat swab, blood test or shot, it helps if the medical team knows if your child is more likely to be upset by a test
or typically does not feel the pain of injections. Depending on the severity of the ASD, your child may not be able to easily tell you that, for example, his throat is sore. Watch for nonverbal cues such as wincing when swallowing and alert your doctor when you think something is wrong. Vaccines are just as important as with any other child. Be sure your child is up to date and is getting regular well child checks. In addition to the regular health and wellness screens, your child may need to be monitored for other issues or health problems that can go hand in hand with ASD. Epilepsy is more common in children diagnosed with autism; as many as 39 percent of these children could
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have a seizure disorder. The highest risk is in children with severe global developmental delays or gross motor delays. Your doctor may recommend an EEG to evaluate your child if seizures are suspected. Other medical diagnoses to watch include: fragile X syndrome, tuberous sclerosis and ADHD. Your doctor is monitoring your child for signs and symptoms, but you should always bring up any specific concerns during visits.
There is a lot of information out there and many opinions about how to help your child. It’s best to start with a faceto-face conversation with your child’s primary care doctor or the doctor who provided the diagnosis, for example, his neurologist or developmental pediatrician. That provider can point you in the right direction and help you coordinate your child’s health care and team of specialists.
It can also be very useful to connect with advocacy organizations such as Autism Speaks, Autism NOW, or the Autism Society of Central Texas, as well as local organizations and parents within the community. Dr. Theresa Willis is a board certified pediatric physician practicing in Austin.
Children with ASD may be more likely to eat non-food items or persist in putting their hands in their mouths and may need screening for elevated blood lead levels. Gastrointestinal issues are common. They range from simple issues like constipation or reflux to more complex problems such as GERD and encopresis. Let your doctor know if your baby is fussy after feedings, arching her back and crying after eating or passing hard stools. Likewise, mention if your older child complains of stomach pain or refuses to pass stools because of pain or fear. Sleep disturbances are common. Maintain good sleep routines and sleep hygiene. Most children thrive with routines, but this is especially important for children with disabilities. Regular bed times with predictable routines can reassure a child struggling with daily frustrations and challenges. All electronic devices should be turned off 30 minutes prior to bedtime. The bright screens and active images can stimulate the brain and interfere with sleep. Sensory issues can lead to behavioral concerns such as potty training challenges, feeding problems, self injurious behaviors and attention related problems. Children with autism can be extremely selective about what they eat—often due to texture and temperature—and this can lead to nutritional deficiencies. You and your pediatrician will need to discuss these challenges as they arise. Your doctor may refer you to a specialist, such as a speech therapist who specializes in feeding or a mental health provider who can help with behaviors. Your doctor can also refer you to dentists and ophthalmologists who are comfortable working with special needs children. Speech, occupational and physical therapists can be a vital part of the team. Pick us up at HEB, Whole Foods and Central Market
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Effective Step
5 Tips for a Lasting, Loving by Laura Reagan-Porras
S
tep-parenting can be a lonely road, but it doesn’t have to be. According to the U.S. Census, over 50 percent of U.S. families are remarried or re-coupled. Over 1,300 new, blended families form every day. Fifty percent of the 60 million children under the age of 13 are currently living with one biological parent and that parent’s current partner. I say let’s harness that collective knowledge and learn from each other’s experiences.
As a sociologist, I work with coparenting education groups, in which divorced or separating parents learn communication and parenting strategies. They also work out parenting agreements for jointly parenting their children. Many times there are stepparents involved. The step-parents in our groups are quick to support each other. Here, they generously share their wisdom.
Understand your 1 stepchild may grieve about the divorce or remarriage.
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The child may target the stepparent with that grief. Grief takes many forms and can have many repetitive cycles. Stepdaughter Laurie says, “I have a stepmom whose presence in my life has been an immeasurable blessing. We went through many painful times, especially when I was little, and she was often an unfair scapegoat and dumping ground for my disappointments. We got through it.”
“I am glad my stepdad never tried to be a father to me,” says stepson Dave. “We didn’t have to get into any power struggles. He became an adult friend and mentor. He was generous with his time; he listened a lot and gave love freely.”
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parenting
Relationship
2 As a couple, decide who disciplines.
Most teenagers will only respond to discipline by the biological parent, whereas younger children may be receptive to the discipline of the stepparent. Be cautious about speaking for the other parent. “Let the biological parent be the rule enforcer,” advises stepmom Monica.
Stepparents may find that life flows more smoothly when the biological parent is the disciplinarian, because that parent has known the child longer and has the reference point of how the previous household used to discipline.
3 Love your stepchild.
Time is how a child measures love. Be as generous as you can with your time and energy. Cook family meals together. Listen a lot—then listen some more. Learn about their interests, not in an effort to win them over, because that will be seen as a manipulation. Learn about their interests because you genuinely care about who they are. Be generous.
Stepmom Ann says, “I wish I had been less selfish when my stepdaughter was young. I wish I had given to her more freely. At the end of the day, who cares if we were
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the ones buying the shoes or school clothes, regardless of what the divorce decree stated?”
Stepmom Sandee may have summarized it best: “The reality is, you love your spouse by loving his or her children. They don’t have to do anything to earn that love. It just is. Isn’t that the bedrock of all parenting anyway? Unconditional love.”
Take care of your own needs. 4
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You can’t give what you don’t have. Taking time to recharge your batteries in healthy, nurturing ways is critical to giving all you can to your new blended
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family. Just as parents of young children must guard against burnout, stepparents must do the same.
Stepdad Raul says that he sometimes runs errands by himself and listens to inspiring music on the run. He comes back with a better attitude, ready to listen to his stepchildren. “I also try to maintain my friendships by playing softball or watching a game with friends,” he says.
Stepdad Joe says, “My wife and I are careful to make time for each other. We have date nights or even date lunches. We meet during the day for our lunch hour away from our jobs and evening homework chores to talk as adults.”
Blending a family takes time. 5
Many experts believe it takes approximately five years to blend a stepfamily. David L. Brasher, BCSW and family therapist, advises, “If you decide to be a stepparent, be sure to attend to the needs of your own children, also.” Above all, be patient with yourself, your spouse and all the children. Stepmom Sally says, “I don’t know if I am a successful stepparent. I just know, my adult stepchildren come home for the holidays and bring their children to visit me and their Grandpa. The grandkids even call me Grandma.”
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To help remind group members to remain non-judgmental, we often remind ourselves that “Kids don’t come with parenting manuals.” If that axiom holds true in most cases, it is certainly true that “Kids don’t come with stepparenting manuals,” either. There are many helpful resources for stepparents. Sometimes a counselor, pastor or family therapist can lend perspective to the process of blending a family. There are also support groups. Some websites that are readily accessible and helpful to stepparenting immediately are RemarriageSuccess.com, stepfamily.org and bit.ly/195kbWu. For faith based support, visit stepparentingbygrace.com. Laura Reagan-Porras, MS, is a parenting journalist and sociologist. She facilitates co-parenting groups and has two daughters.
36 April 2015 | austinfamily.com
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38 April 2015 | austinfamily.com
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Education Guide 2015 Private Schools
Ace Academy 3901 Shoal Creek Blvd., Austin www.austingifted.org 512-206-4070 Acton Academy West and North Austin www.actonacademy.com Austin Eco Bilingual School 8707 Mountain Crest Dr., Austin www.austinbilingualschool.com 512-432-5317 2700 W. Anderson Ln., Austin 512-299-5732 107 R.R. 620, Ste. 300, Lakeway 512-466-2409 Austin French For Kids 11607 N. Lamar, Austin www.austinfrenchforkids.org 512-339-6000 Austin International School 4001 Adelphi Ln., Austin www.austininternationalschool.org 512-331-7806 Bannockburn Christian Academy 7100 Brodie Ln., Austin www.bcaaustin.org 512-892-2706 Brentwood Christian School 11908 N. Lamar Blvd., Austin www.brentwoodchristian.org 512-835-5983 x118 Cathedral School of Saint Mary’s 910 San Jacinto, Austin www.smcschoolaustin.org 512-476-1480 Challenger School 15101 Avery Ranch Rd., Austin www.challengerschool.com 512-341-8000 1521 Joyce Ln., Round Rock 512-255-8844 Holy Family Catholic School 9400 Neenah Ave., Austin www.holyfamilycs.org 512-246-4455 Hyde Park Schools 3901 Speedway, Austin www.hp-schools.org 512-465-8338 11400 N. MoPac Expwy., Austin 512-465-8333 International School of Texas 4105 Eck Ln., Austin www.istexas.org 512-351-3403 Linguistica Spanish Immersion 11420 Bee Caves Rd., Austin www.linguisticacenter.com 512-501-3883 Magellan School 7938 Great Northern Blvd., Austin www.magellanschool.org 512--782-2327 Magnolia School Lake Travis www.themagnoliaschoolatx.com 512-266-9620 Rawson Saunders School 2614-A Exposition Blvd., Austin www.rawsonsaunders.org 512-476-8382 Redeemer Lutheran School 1500 W. Anderson Ln., Austin www.redeemerschool.net 512-451-6478 San Juan Diego Catholic School 800 Herndon Ln., Austin www.sjdchs.org 512-804-1935 St. Andrew’s Lower & Middle School 1112 W. 31st St., Austin www.sas.org 512-299-7800 St. Andrew’s Upper School 5901 S. Parkway, Austin www.sas.org 512-299-9800 St. Austin Catholic School 1911 San Antonio St., Austin www.staustinschool.org 512-477-3751 St. Dominic Savio Catholic High School 9300 Neenah Ave., Austin www.saviochs.org 512-388-8846 St. Francis School 300 E. Huntland Dr., Austin www.stfrancis-school.org 512-454-0848 St. Gabriel’s Catholic School 2500 Wimberly Ln., Austin www.sgs-austin.org 512-327-7755 St. Helen Catholic School 2700 E. University Ave., Georgetown www.shclions.org 512-869-3244 St. Ignatius, Martyr Catholic School 120 W. Oltorf, Austin www.st-ignatius.org/school 512-442-8547 St. Louis Catholic School 2114 St. Joseph, Austin www.slcsaustin.org 512-614-6622 x245 St. Mary’s Catholic School 520 Washburn St., Taylor www.stmarystaylor.org 512-352-2313 St. Michael’s Catholic Academy 3000 Barton Creek Blvd., Austin www.smca.com 512-328-2323 St. Stephen’s Episcopal School 6000 FM 3237, Wimberly www.ststeveschool.org 512-847-9857 St. Theresa Catholic School 4311 Small Dr., Austin www.st-theresa.org 512-451-7105 Santa Cruz Catholic High 1110 Main St., Buda www.sccstx.org 512-312-2137
Charter Schools Sci-Tech Preparatory School Texas Preparatory School
6405 S. IH 35, Austin www.waysideschools.org 7540 Ed Bluestein Blvd., Austin www.texasprep.us 400 Uhland Rd., San Marcos
Montessori/Preschools/Kindergarten
512-220-9186 512-928-3000 512-805-3000
Bluebonnet School of Canyon Creek 10321 Boulder Ln., Austin www.bluebonnetschool.com 512-219-5100 Bluebonnet School of Cedar Park 3420 El Salido Pkwy., Cedar Park www.bluebonnetschool.com 512-331-9009 Bright Horizons Six Austin Metro Locations www.brighthorizons.com/austin Country Home Learning Center 1310 US Hwy 183 North, Austin www.countryhomelearningcenter.com 512-331-1442 6900 Escarpment Blvd., Austin 512-288-8220 Extend-A-Care For Kids 77 area campuses www.eackids.org 512-472-9402 Fine Arts Academy Allandale www.dancediscovery.com 512-419-7611 Avery Ranch 512-658-2996 Froggin Learning Center Corner of 360 and 2222, Austin www.frogginlearning.com 512-345-3764 Kiddie Academy of Pflugerville 2617 Kelly Ln., Pflugerville www.kiddieacademy.com/pflugerville 512-270-9988 Kinney Avenue Childrens’s Day Out 1801 Kinney Ave., Austin www.kacfaustin.org/kacfchildren 512-442-6719 North Oaks Child Development Center 8830 Cainwood Lane, Austin www.northoakscountry.com 512-250-5117 Rainbow Station 11651 W. Parmer Ln., Cedar Park www.rainbowstationaustin.org 512-260-9700 Spicewood Country School 6102 Spicewood Springs Rd., Austin www.spicewoodcountry.com 512-346-2992 St. Mark’s Episcopal Day School 2128 Barton Hills Dr., Austin www.stmarksdayschoolaustin.org 512-444-9401 Stepping Stone Schools Locations throughout Austin Metro www.steppingstoneschool.com 512-459-0258
3yrs-12th 1-12th Inf-3rd 5yrs-college 3 yrs-5th K4-5th PreK-12th PreK4-8th PreK-8th PreK4-8th K4-8th 9th-12th 3-13 yrs PreK-8th 3 yrs-7th 3-13 yrs. Ind. Instr. 1st-9th Dyslexia K-8th 9th-12th 1st-9th 10th-12t PreK-8th 9th-12th PreK-8th JrK-8th PreK-8th PreK3-8th PreK4-8th PreK-8th 9th-12th PreK-6th PreK4-8th PreK4-8th 6th-12th K-5th K-6th Inf-K Inf-K Inf-K Prep Inf-13yrs Inf- PreK AfterSch 3rd-5th 1-10yrs 6wks-12yrs Inf-PreK Inf-PreK AfterSch Inf-12yrs Inf-K 3-5yrs Inf-K
Resources
Best in Class 13376 Research Blvd., Austin www.bestinclasseducation.com 512-375-3245 Tutoring Brain Balance 3267 Bee Caves Rd., Suite 118, Austin www.brainbalancecenters.com 512-328-7771 Behavioral issues EduCenter by NETS 1900 Cypress Creek, Ste. 101, Cedar Park www.educenter4me.com 512-996-9260 Speech language, entrepreneurial bilingual Mathnasium Round Rock www.mathnasium.com/roundrock 512-415-5371 Math tutoring East Round Rock www.mathnasium.com/eastroundrock 512-763-7587 Cedar Park www.mathnasium.com/cedarpark 512-869-6284 Sylvan Learning Centers Six Austin metro area locaations www.sylvan.com See ad on page 1 Tutoring
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DAY CAMPS Pages 40-57 OVERNIGHT CAMPS Pages 57-58 DAY CAMPS Allstar- Sports Camp Round Rock 3918 Gattis School Rd, Round Rock www.austinsportsarena.com 512-251-7500 Your child will have a blast and develop their athletic skills by playing soccer, basketball, ultimate frisbee, dodgeball, floor hockey, capture the flag, roller skating, and more! American Robotics Leander, Pflugerville, Cedar Park, Central, East and South Austin www.roboticsacademy.com 512-844-2724 Ages 6 - 11 Learn, play, battle, grow and have fun with friends. Basic engineering and hands on fun. Armstrong Community Music School 404 Camp Craft Rd 78746 www.ACMSAustin.org 512-474-2331 Ages 5 and up, 9 and up Campers learn basic drum beats and fills, exploration of instruments, sing, dance and explore Afro-Cuban and Brazilian percussion; all offered in one of the five camps: Introduction to Drumset (2), Little Summer Drummers, Music
40 April 2015 | austinfamily.com
on My Own! Or MoMO! Afro-Cuban and Brazilian Percussion. Austin Aquarium Stingray Camp Shark Camp 13530 N. Hwy 183 www.austinaquarium.com 512-222-5586 Ages 8 - 12 and 13 - 18 Prepare animal food, learn about animals, hands on learning. An awesome aquatic experience. Campers will learn about the necessity of providing enrichment for the animals in our care and have the chance to design and participate in an enrichment activity for the giant pacific octopus! Austin Community College STEM Camps www.acc.edu Ages 8 - 18 Check website for information. Austin Film Festival 13th Annual Film Camp St. Austin Catholic School www.austinfilmfestival.com/young-filmmakersprogram/summer-film-camp/ 512-478-4795 Ages 9 - 18 Rocking workshops that promise to teach, inspire, and help kids and young adults create their very own fabulous, funny, thought-provoking, heartbreaking, award-winning (you never know!) short films.
Austin Girls’ Choir Summer Camp www.girlschoir.com 512-453-0884 Ages 8 - 18 June 8 - 12 and 15 - 19, Sign up now. Austin International School Summer Camp 4001 Adelphi Ln., Austin www.austininternationalschool.org 512-331-7806 Ages 3 - 6 We are launching our new fitness camp, taught in French and Spanish! Our professional educators and native speakers will take your child on a new parcours every week, teaching coordination and healthy habits to keep kids’ bodies blooming! Join us for a full program of fun, laughs, and learning. Austin Parks and Recreation Summer Camps Locations throughout Austin www.austintexas.gov/ansc 512-974-3888 Ages 5 - 12 Week-long camps from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Ages 5-6: Wonderful Wildlife; ages 7-8: Creature Feature; ages 9-11: Austin Adventures. Preregistration is required. Fees are $210/week for Austin Residents and $225/week for non-Austin Residents. Austin Sailboat Rentals 20 N. IH-35, on Lady Bird Lake 512-431-1894
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www.austinsailboatrentals.com Ages 6 - 15 Austin Sailboat Rentals sailing camps are conveniently located in downtown Austin on Lady Bird Lake and are a lot of fun!
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Austin Sports Center Academy 425 Woodard St., Austin 1420 Toro Grande Blvd., Cedar Park www.austinsportscenter.com 512-479-8776, 512-260-0333 Ages K - 9 Volleyball and basketball at its best.
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Austin Yacht Club 5906 Beacon Dr., Lake Travis www.austinyachtclub.net 512-266-1336 Ages 4 - 16 PB&J Summer Sailing for ages 4 to 10, a perfect intro for beginners. Junior Sailing Day Camp for ages 8 to 18, fun sun and sailing.
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Badgerdog Creative Writing Summer Camp 7 Austin area locations www.austinlibrary.org 512-542-0076 Ages incoming 3rd - 12th grades Have fun learning to write.
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Band Aid School of Music South Austin and Westlake/Riverbend www.bandaidschoolofmusic.com 512-730-0592 Ages 4 - 18 Rock Band, Rock Star, Piano Camp, Drum Camp, Guitar Camp and Vocal Camp. We have the strongest rock band program in Texas. Bits, Bytes & Bots Computer Adventures Locations throughout Austin www.austintx.bitsbytesbots.com
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Brandy Perryman Shooting Camp Locations throughout Austin www.bperrymanshootingcamp.com 512-799-8891 Ages 7 - 16 BPSC is a 4-day shooting intense basketball camp mirrored after all the camps Perryman attended and enjoyed the most as a kid.
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Bricks 4 Kidz ATX Greater Austin locations including Round Rock, Dripping Springs, Lake Travis www.bricks4kidz.com/atx 512-270-9003 Ages 5 - 13 Build LEGO® models that move! Our themed enrichment camps feature motorized building, crafts, games and creative building time. Campers take home LEGO® minifigures or accessory packs.
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512-415-4120 Ages 6 - 14 Fun-filled technology education programs in LEGO® NXT® Robotics, LEGO® WeDo® Robotics, computer game creation, stop-motion animation movie making and Minecraft® programming.
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Bright Horizons X-treme Camp Bee Cave, Round Rock, Braker Ln., Oak Hill, Capital Metro, Future Stars www.brighthorizons.com/Austin_Summer_Camp Ages 5 - 12 Our camp teachers develop a fun curriculum that welcomes special guest visitors from places such as the Austin Zoo & Animal Sanctuary, The Thinkery and more! Children can explore nature, experiment with science and engage in the creative arts, all while learning about the world around them.
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Café Monet Summer Art Westgate Shopping Center and The Triangle, Austin, San Marcos www.cafemonet.org 512-892-3200, 512-906-2200, 512-805-2800 Ages 6 and up Art Camp @ Café Monet is a hands-on lesson in creativity! Pottery painting, mosaics, clay building, green projects and more! We offer four curricula.
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Camp Doublecreek 800 Doublecreek Drive, Round Rock www.campdoublecreek.com 512- 255-3661 Ages 4 - 14 Camp Doublecreek is Austin/Round Rock’s Best Day Camp for 9 years running. Let your campers be challenged, encouraged and inspired as they engage in a variety of activities. Doublecreek’s mission is that all campers leave at the end of the day knowing someone believes in them.
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Camp De Champs, Camp Avalanche 2525 W. Anderson Ln. www.chaparralice.com 512-252-8500 x160 Camp Avalanche for ages 7 - 14 Camp De Champs for ages 6 - 14 Spring break Camp- Camp De Champs. Multiple lessons a day, goal setting, off-ice training, arts and crafts. Two awesome skating adventure camps. Camp De Champs is a skating training class and Camp Avalanche is a general adventure day camp with field trips and swimming with an emphasis on skating.
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Camp on the Move Austin area www.camponthemove.com 512-658-6285 Age 7 - 14
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Field trip based summer camp with two trips per week to Schlitterbahn.
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Camp Jump! 2919 Manchaca Rd. and 2117 Anderson Ln. www.jump-austin.com 512-593-6226 Ages 3 - 10 Voted Austin Family Magazine’s Most Fun Camp in 2011. Dynamic, theme-based gymnastics, games, activities and arts and crafts keep kids coming back! Texas Licensed facility.
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Capital City Guitar Camp 9905 Anderson Mill Rd. www.capitalcityguitarcamp.com 417-300-4078 Ages 8 and up A camp for all ages, beginners through advanced. Beginners receive a free guitar! Classes in ageappropriate technique, improv, theory, recording, performance and much fun. Great teachers.
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Paul Cates Stable Round Rock www.paulcatesstable.com 512-565-3886 Ages 5 and up Campers enjoy spending the day in a variety of fun activities focused on learning the basics of horseback riding & caring for the horses. Some of the activities include twice a day riding lessons, grooming, tacking, equine terminology, basic care and feeding, post-ride care and arts/crafts.
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Central Texas Writing Camp Texas State University San Marcos and Round Rock 512-245-3680 Ages 6 - 18
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Cheer Station 12112 Broadwalk Dr. www.cheerstation.com 512-45-CHEER Ages 3 - 17 Austin’s favorite place to cheer for 6 years running.
Dance Discovery Central - 2110 White Horse Trail Avery Ranch - 10526 W Parmer Ln www.dancediscovery.com www.averyranchdance.com 512-419-7611, 512-658-2996 Ages 3 - 6 Ages 3 - 14 Various themed camps include storytime ballet, jazz, hip hop, gymnastics, yoga, arts and crafts, and musical theatre. Each camp week ends with a great show!
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Digital Media UT Austin, Rice, UT Dallas www.digitalmediaacademy.org Ages 6 - 17 Use code DMAAUSTINFAM15 when you register and save $50 on Jr. Adventure camp ages 6 - 8 or Adventure camp ages 8 - 12.
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Country Home Learning Center South Austin 6900 Escarpment Blvd 512-288-8220 North Austin 13120 US Hwy 183 North www.countryhomelearningcenter.com 512-331-1441 Ages 5 - 13 Join us for an incredible summer camp experience! Child approved special events, exciting weekly field trips, kids’ choice special interest clubs.
Creative Brick Builders 220 Sundance Pkwy, STE 300, Round Rock and at additional locations in Greater Austin www.creativebrickbuilders.com 512-388-9003 Ages 5 - 13 Create, tinker, build and explore! Creative Brick Builders offers classes, camps and workshops featuring engineering, electronic circuits, digital media, art, computers, handcrafts and more.
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Club Z Summer Camp Round Rock, Austin, Cedar Park www.zsclubhouse.com 512-219-0700 Ages 5 - 12 Awesome field trips, organized sports, wonderful environment.
Creative Action 2015 Camps Trinity United Methodist Church, UT, Center for Creative Action, West Lake Hills www.creativeaction.org 512-442-8773 Ages 5 - 13 We offer theatre, dance, music, puppetry, film, visual arts and more.
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Challenger School Summer Camps 1521 Joyce Lane, Round Rock www.challengerschools.com 512-255-8844, 512-341-8000 Ages Preschool - 8th grade Summer fun at Challenger.
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Our camp will inspire creative writing thinking, and explore various writing styles. Campers will meet new friends.
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ESTEAM Camps 22a Chisholm Trail, Round Rock www.actonacademynorth.com 512-740-3024 Ages Rising 1st - 5th The Acton Academy North ESTEAM Camp and Leaning Fun 101 - LEGO Robotics have united to bring you a summer experience that features traditional games, learning and fun in an exciting, creative atmosphere.
Esoteric Farm 15 minutes north of downtown Austin www.esotericfarm.com 512-272-4301 Ages 5 - 16 Eleven weekly sessions, daily horse-related games and activities, indoor horse arena; fun, active, affordable.
Extend-A-Care for Kids Summer Day Camp Locations in AISD, DVISD and HCISD www.eackids.org 512-472-9402 All-day licensed child care offering curriculumbased weekly themes from literature books our students read, and the curriculum offers children a constant source of new and interesting material and activities such as arts and crafts, cooking,
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Emler Swim School 10700 Anderson Mill Road #207 Austin 3267 Bee Caves Road Suite 145 Austin www.emlerswimschool.com 817-552-7946 Infant to adult Emler’s award-winning, semester-based, swim script curriculum offers 20 levels of effective, goaloriented swim education for all ages and skills year round. Sign up today!
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painting, science, math and more! The children will attend 1-2 swim trips per week, one field trip each week, and participate in sports camps in the morning.
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Fantastic Magic Camp Highland Mall, Suite N, 6001 Airport Blvd, Austin The mall is located at the crossroads of IH35, Highway 290 and 183. www.magiccamp.com 512-850-4677 Ages 5 - 12 Teaching life skills and confidence, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., through magic, juggling and puppets in Austin since 1993! Extra rehearsal time from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. available.
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French Summer Camp 11607 N. Lamar Blvd. www.austinfrenchforkids.org 512-964-7733 Ages 2½ - 13 Where French immersion meets academic excellence.
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Froggin ¡Cuidando al planeta! 6203 N. Capital of Texas, 78731 at the intersection of 360 and 2222 www.frogginlearning.com 512-345-3764 Ages 3 - 10 years Spanish Immersion Summer Camp. Play-based methodology that allows children to really learn the skills and not just memorize. Native speakers, 6 to 1 student-teacher ratio
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Fun 2 Learn Code Round Rock and Dripping Springs (see web site for additional locations) www.fun2learncode.com 512-900-8380
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Ages 7 and up Computer programming summer camps, including Minecraft Mods with Java, Scratch Programming, Game Design, Robotics and Web Development. Half-day and full-day options available.
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GENaustin Spring and Summer camps at various locations www.genaustin.org 512-808-4044 Girls Ages 4th - 7th grade Camps will help girls find their inner confidence and learn how to project a confident attitude and take risks, and explore healthy friendships by defining what it means to be a good friend.
Heartsong Music 2700 West Anderson Lane, Ste. 320 www.HeartsongMusic.net 512-371-9506 heartsong@heartsongmusic.net Ages Birth - 9 Did you know that Music Learning Supports All Learning速? Join us this spring and summer for our Music Together速 classes for children from birth to 5 and their parents/caregivers. High Hopes Sports Camp 800 Clover Ln., Cedar Park
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Girlstart 1400 W. Anderson Lane www.girlstart.org 512-916-4775
Ages 3rd - 7th grade Girlstart offers week-long summer day camps in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). Girlstart camps include a balance of hands-on STEM activities, relevant technology, collaborative team building and informal camp fun!
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Kiddie Academy Summer Camp 2617 Kelly Ln., Pflugerville www.kiddieacademy.com/pflugerville 512-270-9988 A summer bursting with all the fun and learning of Life Essentials@ kidsActing Summer Camp 15 Locations throughout Austin www.kidsActingStudio.com 512-836-5437 Ages 3 - 18 Act, sing, dance, play fun theatre games, do face painting and theatre arts and crafts! Each camp will have a performance for family and friends on the last day! Themes include: Cinderella, Star Wars, Tangled and Frozen!
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Kid Spa Austin Avery Ranch (W. Parmer Ln. and Avery Ranch Blvd.) Circle C Ranch (Mopac and West Slaughter Ln.) www.KidSpaAustin.com 512-828-5772; 512-301-5772 Ages 18 months - 12 years old Voted Austin’s Best Drop-In Center in three
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Iron Horse Country Ranch – The Motorcycle Summer Camp North Austin schools pickup to ranch. 512-917-5733 www.ironhorsecountry.com Boys and girls ages 8 - 15
JCC Summer Camps 7300 Hart Lane, Austin www.shalomaustin.org/camps 512-735-8050 Ages Toddlers to 10th Graders JCC Summer Camps offer enthusiastic counselors, a pool, nature trails, low ropes course, playgrounds, special events and more! Everyone’s welcome and respected at the JCC!
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iD Tech Camps held at the University of Texas at Austin, St. Edwards UT Austin, St. Edwards University and more www.idtech.com 888-709-8324 Ages 7 - 17 Inspired by tech-savvy instructors, students ages 7-17 code apps, design video games, mod with Minecraft, engineer robots, build websites, produce movies and more. iD Programming Academy (2-week, pre-college summer academy for ages 13-18) is also held at the University of Texas at Austin.
It is every child’s dream to ride a motorcycle, and we make dreams come true. The camp for safely training children to ride. Everything included.
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Highland Lakes Camp and Conference Center 5902 Pace Bend Rd., Spicewood www.highlandlakescamp.org 512-264-1777; 888-222-3482 Ages Youth, Preteen, Children Offering customized programs for homeschool day trips, outdoor education, American heritage girl outings, corporate team building, family, youth, preteen and children’s camps.
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www.hhsports.org 512-259-7545 High Hopes Sports and Afterschool is a ministry of Highpoint Fellowship. Our mission is to lead change in our community by providing sports and education in a Christian environment where we can model values through good sportsmanship and loving child care to people of every cultural and spiritual background.
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separate annual polls, Kid Spa Austin provides childcare when YOU need it! Visit www. KidSpaAustin.com for our summer schedule!
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KidsDance! Summer Camps and Programs Dancers Workshop 11150 Research Blvd. #107 www.dancersworkshopaustin.com 512-349-7197 Age 2 - 10 The young-uns can test out their feet with halfand full-day camps with princess and rock star themes. Experienced dancers should register for summer intensives in ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop and more.
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“Layla y la Ballena” Spanish Immersion 8707 Mountain Crest Dr. 2700 West Anderson Ln. 107 Ranch Rd. 620, S #300, Lakeway
www.austinbilingualschool.com 512-299-5731, 512-299-5732, 512-466-2409 Ages 2 - 11 Children join together to make the story “Leyla y la Ballena” come to life. Every week is dedicated to a theme which is taught in an enthusiastic, funfilled environment. Mad Science Locations throughout Austin www.austin.madscience.org 512-892-1143 Ages 4 - 12 Mad Science camps are filled with exciting, fun, hands-on science activities. Children become junior scientists for the week and experience a variety of science adventures. Magellan International Summer Camp 7938 Great Northern Blvd. www.magellanschool.org 512-782-2327 Ages 3rd - 7th grade Enjoy adventure and discovery. Experience a new country and culture.
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The Magnolia School Summer Camp Between Steiner Ranch and Lakeway www.themagnoliaschoolatx.com 512-266-9620 Ages 3 - 10 Mornings: academic booster (math, reading, writing, language arts, spelling); Afternoons: themed camp activities and special guests (animals, art, music, around the world, treasure hunters, book fair, water days).
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Master Gohring Kung Fu & Tai Chi 6611 Airport Blvd. www.mastergohring.com 512-879-7553
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Rainbow Station’s The Village Summer Program 11651 W. Parmer Ln. www.rainbowstationaustin.org 512-260-9700 Ages infant - 12 An entire facility dedicated to school-age children. Full-day camp offers weekly mini courses, swim lessons, sports, weekly field trips and an end-ofsummer picnic. Freedom of choice is the hallmark of our summer program. Rio Vista Farm 13013 Fallwell Ln. www.riovistafarm.net 512-247-2302
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MoolahU All over Austin www.moolahu.com 512-443-8851 Ages 7 - 18 Kids learn how to make and appreciate money by starting their own business.
512-259-7999 Ages 6 months - adult The indoor Nitro Swim Center offers the highest quality swim lessons, non-competitive and competitive swimming around.
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McKinney Roughs Nature Camp 1884 SH 71 West, Cedar Creek www.lcra.org/naturecamp 512-303-5073 Ages 6 - 15 Explore the outdoors on 1,100 acres of woodland prairies and pine forest; nature study and exploration, wilderness skills, swimming, challenge course, raft trips, hikes. Austin shuttle available.
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Ages 4 and up Come check out our program for the entire family.
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Mu Sool Won of South Austin Martial Arts 1901 W. William Cannon Dr. #121 www.mswsouthaustin.com 512-299-1873 Ages 5 - 15 All inclusive half day summer camp. Neill-Cochran House Museum Summer Camps 2310 San Gabriel St., Austin www.nchmuseum.org 512-478-2335 Ages incoming 1st-incoming 6th grade Week 1 will find us in the 1920s and Week 2 in the 1930s. Soapbox race cars, mural painting, outdoor campsite and more!
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Nitro Swim Center Cedar Park/Round Rock, Bee Cave on Hwy. 71 www.nitroswim.com
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Ages 7 - 16 Austin’s originator of English Riding camp. Daily lessons taught by professional trainers, lots of horse time/care, arts and crafts, swimming for hotter afternoons. Friday horse shows for parents to attend.
Spicewood Country Camp 6102 Spicewood Springs www.spicewoodcountry.com 512-346-2992 scschool@flash.net Ages 3½ - 10 Nine shady acres in Northwest Austin with
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Round Rock Express Baseball Camps Dell Diamond, Round Rock www.roundrockexpress.com 512-255-BALL Ages 6 and up Camp 1 June 15-18 Half Day, Camp 2 June 29-July 2 Half Day, Camp 3 July 13-16 Full Day/Overnight Camp 4 July 27-30 Half Day Youngsters from all over central Texas will have the opportunity to hone their baseball skills. Full-day and overnight camps for ages 8 and up. Call for details.
Smudge Studios 500 West 38th St, Austin 512-777-1742 www.smudgestudiosaustin.com Ages 5-13 $225 per session Summer camp at Smudge Studios is ARTRAGEOUS! Spend your summer having fun and making art with Smudge! Explore several mediums through a variety of fun projects and finish each day with some outside playtime and water slip and slide.
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animals, music, swimming, crafts, sports and horseback riding.
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SAS St. Andrews Episcopal School www.sasaustin.org 512-299-9700 Ages 4 - 18 We offer camps for aspiring artists, athletes, scientists, musicians, chess enthusiasts, cooks and more.
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St. Dominic Savio Catholic High School Summer Camps 9300 Neenah Ave., Austin www.saviochs.org/parents/summer_camps.cfm 512-388-8846 Ages 1st - 12th St. Dominic Savio Catholic High School is offering numerous camps this summer such as: art, music, robotics, soccer, volleyball, and Lone Star Hoops basketball.
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St. Mark’s Day School Summer Camp 2128 Barton Hills Dr. www.stmarksdayschoolaustin.org 512-444-9401 Ages 3 - 5 The storybook summer adventure, boot camp fun class, dance party and more.
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St. Michael’s Summer Sports 3000 Barton Creek Blvd. www.smca.org 512-328-2323 Ages 1st - 12th grade St. Michael’s is continuing a 30 year history of summer sports camps focused on developing young athletes for success on and off the court. All camps will have a 1:8 coach to camper ratio to ensure the highest quality coaching.
Camp Guide Camp Guide Camp Guide austinfamily.com | April 2015 | 53
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Stepping Stone School 12 locations around Austin Metro area www.steppingstoneschool.com 512-459-0258 Ages 5 - 13 This year’s summer camp will feature biweekly themes on the various biomes of the earth, including the ocean, frozen lands and deserts. Don’t let your child miss out on this captivating summer camp with its exciting field journeys, one-of-a-kind entrepreneur and philanthropy program, chess tournaments, swim lessons (at many campuses) and more!
Summer Spark Central Austin, O. Henry Middle School 2610 West 10th Street www.summerspark.com 512-593-5393 www.kaylie@summerspark.com Ages Rising 1st - 6th graders or ages 5 - 12 Children come alive as they engage in weekly creative problem solving challenges that involve physical experiments, purposeful tinkering and messy construction. We are creativity unplugged.
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Summer Entrepreneurship Club 1900 Cypress Creek Rd, #101, Cedar Park www.educenter4me.com/services/entrepreneuriallearning 512-996-9260 Ages 5th - 9th grade
Students will explore how to turn their passion into a business possibility. By participating in project based learning, they’ll get inspired and discover their passions for the future.
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Synergy Dance Studio 3425 Bee Cave Rd Suite C1 www.synergydancestudio.com 512-327-4130 Ages 2 and up, beginning to advanced dancers Dance camps and classes for ages 3-11, full and half-day camps available. Camps include ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, tumbling, theatre, crafts and a performance on Friday. Dance intensives for beginner to advanced dancers ages 7 and up. All camp placement is by age and skill level.
Camp Guide
TexARTS Summer Camps 2300 Lohman’s Spur, Suite 160 www.tex-arts.org 512-852-9079 Ages 5 - 18 TexARTS offers weekly camps in musical theatre, acting and visual arts. You can star in our summer musical “Beauty and the Beast” beginning June 8!
Camp Guide
Sylvan Robotics and Coding Camps Austin, Round Rock, Cedar Park, Hays County and Georgetown www.sylvanlearning.com 800-EDUCATE Ages 1st - 6th grade Have fun and stay sharp this summer with brand new robotics and coding camps at Sylvan Learning. Students will build and program their very own robots while learning how to collaborate and work as a team.
Camp Guide
Summer Wonders 3901 Shoal Creek Blvd. www.summerwonders.org 512-203-4540 Ages 4 - 13 A non-profit program for gifted students to explore diverse subjects through an integrated, hands-on approach, presented in a fun, creative manner.
Camp Guide Camp Guide Camp Guide Camp Guide Camp Guide austinfamily.com | April 2015 | 55
Camp Guide
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THE Y.E.T. Project www.yetraining.com 512-775-1886 yetraining@gmail.com Ages 12 - 15 Young Entrepreneurship Training project is a 6 week summer camp where students will create a LIVE company, develop an ACTUAL product, sell the product to a TRUE audience for a BONA-FIDE profit!
YMCA of Austin 21 Locations in Travis and Hays Counties www.AustinYMCA.org 512-236-9622 Ages 4 - 14 Weekly sessions run June through August. Kinder, theme, sports and adventure camps offer swimming, field trips, games, crafts, characterbuilding activities and more. Financial assistance available.
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Thinkery Camps 1830 Simond Ave., Austin www.thinkeryaustin.org 512-469-6200 Ages PreK - 5th grade Thinkery camps offer hands-on activities in science, technology, engineering, art and math as a platform for innovation. Each week, campers engage in fun challenges that inspire creativity.
Waterloo Swim www.waterlooswim.com 512-921-9893 Ages Infant and up Low swimmer instructor ratio. Call us for strokes improvement, kid and adult fitness, baby swim.
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Camp Lantern Creek 4045 N. FM 1486, Montgomery, TX www.camplanterncreek.com 936-597-8225 Girls ages 7 - 17 Our camps are the perfect vehicle for fostering confidence, self esteem and leadership. Camp Rio Vista for Boys & Camp Sierra Vista for Girls Ingram, TX www.vistacamps.com 830-367-5353 Ages 6 - 16 Traditional, non-denominational summer camps, where our goal is to provide a safe, wholesome, fun-filled environment for every boy and girl. Brother/sister camps located on the Guadalupe River.
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ZACH Theatre Performing Arts Camps 1510 Toomey Rd. www.zachtheatre.org 512-476-0594 x236 Ages 3 - 18 ACT at ZACH! Explore acting, improvisation, singing and dancing. Put on a fun show for family and friends!
Camp Guide
YMCA of Greater Williamson County Summer Camps www.ymcagwc.org Hutto 512-846-2360 Burnet 512-756-6180 Cedar Park 512-250-9622 Round Rock 512-615-5563 Outdoor Adventure Camps, K - 8th grade Excursion Camps, K - 6th grade Specialty Camps, K - 8th grade Kinder Camps, 3 years - K At the Y, we offer a wide array of summer camp options and activities that are designed to make summer fun, exciting, convenient and safe.
OVERNIGHT CAMPS
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Camp Cedarbrook Rosebud, TX www.cedarbrooktexas.com Ages 2nd - 12th grade Central Texas Christian camp builds Christian skills through activities and relationships.
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Newk’s Adventure Camp New Braunfels, TX www.newktennis.com 830-625-9105 Ages 9 - 16 Experience an action-packed week this summer enjoying rafting, Schlitterbahn, paintball, rappelling and more.
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Round Rock Express Baseball Camps Dell Diamond, Round Rock www.roundrockexpress.com 512-255-BALL Ages 6 and up Camp 1 June 15-18 Half Day, Camp 2 June 29-July 2 Half Day, Camp 3 July 13-16 Full Day/Overnight Camp 4 July 27-30 Half Day. Youngsters from all over central Texas will have the opportunity to hone their baseball skills. Full-day and overnight camps for ages 8 and up. Call for details.
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SeaWorld San Antonio, TX www.seaworld.com 800-700-7786 All ages Explore the world of animals by doing up-close, hands-on activities while having a blast with other campers from across the U.S. and around the world. Expedition Camp for grades 5 to 8, Career Camp grades 9 to 12.
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Sugar & Spice Ranch Camp Bandera,TX www.texashorsecamps.com 830-460-8487 Ages 5 and up Bonding mothers and daughters through horses. You and your daughter will own horses for a week and do everything together as a team. All-inclusive week-long session and a great way to reconnect with each other.
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Pick us up at HEB, Whole Foods and Central Market
Ki d e n o Z
Make a Ladybug Friend Did you know that a ladybug can consume as many as 5,000 aphids in its lifetime? Ladybugs are a gardener’s best friend, because they eat so many plant-eating insects. In celebration of springtime, make a ladybug of your own!
Supplies • • • • • • •
Construction paper Glue Scissors A pen or dark marker Pipe cleaners Plastic bottle cap Wiggly eyes from a craft store (or make your own eyes) • Hole punch
Steps
1. Begin by tracing around the bottle cap onto the construction paper. Then, cut out the circle. 2. Apply a drop of glue to the bottle cap and glue the circle to it. 3. Choose two wiggly eyes and apply them to the body with just a little glue. 4. Use the hole punch to create the ladybug’s dots, and glue them to the body. For a standard-sized bottle cap, 5 or 6 should do the trick. 5. Make the ladybug’s legs by cutting the pipe cleaners into small pieces (about 2 to 3 inches long). Glue the pipe cleaners into the cap and bend into place so they stick out slightly. These ladybugs make for great decorations around the house. Visit the Thinkery’s blog at www. thinkeryaustin.org/blog for more fun and easy activities you can do at home. 60 April 2015 | austinfamily.com
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Focus On Doctors
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Dr. Linda Lopez
ADC Steiner Ranch Dr. Lopez is from the Rio Grande Valley. She received her medical degree from University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston. She completed her internship and residency at University of Texas Southwestern in Austin. Dr. Lopez speaks conversational Spanish and enjoys preventive, developmental and general pediatrics. See ad on page 10
Dr. Rachel Montgomery
Lonestar Pediatric Dental Dr. Rachel Montgomery graduated from Baylor University in Waco, and followed up by attending The University of Texas Dental School in Houston. Her residency was spent at the Boston University School of Dental Medicine, with a specialty in pediatrics. Rachel can most likely be found spending time with her husband Marty and their precious boys. See ad on page 31
Dr. Marty Montgomery
Lonestar Pediatric Dental Dr. Marty Montgomery comes from a family where all the children were drawn to dental careers early in life. A graduate of Baylor University, in Waco, Marty attended Tufts Dental School in Boston. He completed his residency at Temple University Hospital in Philadelphia, specializing in pediatrics. See ad on page 31
Dr. David Mouritsen
Smileworks Orthodontics Dr. David Mouritsen’s goals are to understand your concerns, communicate treatment options clearly and deliver exceptional care. He earned a master of science degree and certificate in orthodontics at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Dr. Mouritsen is a member of the American Association of Orthodontists and the American Dental Association. See ad on page 16
Dr. Betty Richardson
Dr. Richardson earned a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in nursing, and a PhD in psych/mental health nursing. She is a licensed marriage and family therapist and a licensed professional counselor. She has over 30 years of experience working with individuals, couples, families, children and adolescents. See ad on page 70
Dr. Theresa Willis
ADC Steiner Ranch Dr. Willis is a graduate of the University of Texas, received her medical degree from Baylor College of Medicine in Houston and completed her residency at Texas Children’s Hospital. Dr. Willis’s professional interests include developmental pediatrics, fitness and healthy weight in children and teens. She is board certified by the American Board of Pediatrics. See ad on page 10 Pick us up at HEB, Whole Foods and Central Market
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calendar
4/15
COMPILED BY BETTY KEMPER
++ Denotes the event occurs on multiple dates.
family events Wednesday 1
April Fool’s Day IMAX: Jerusalem 3D ++ See website for times. Playing through May 7. Bob Bullock Texas History Museum, 1800 Congress. $9 adults. thestoryoftexas.com or 512‑936‑8746. Spirit Theatre: Shipwrecked ++ See website for times. Playing through June 15. Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum, 1800 Congress. $7 adults. thestoryoftexas.com or 512‑936‑8746. La Belle: The Ship That Changed History ++ 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 12 to 5 p.m. Sunday. Through May 17. Bob Bullock State History Museum, 1800 Congress. $12 adults. thestoryoftexas.com or 512‑936‑8746. Sprouts 9:30 to 11 a.m. Wildflower Center, 4801 La Crosse Ave. Members Free. Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland ++ 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Through July 6. Ransom Center Galleries, 300 W. 21st St. FREE. hrc.utexas.edu/visit/. Woodland Faerie Trail ++ 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Through May 26. Zilker Botanical Garden, 2220 Barton Springs Rd. FREE with park admission. zilkergarden.org or 512‑477‑8672. Photos with the Easter Bunny ++ 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Through April 4. Round Rock Premium Outlets, 4401 North IH-35, Round Rock. FREE. premiumoutlets.com/roundrock. “Chicken Big!” Puppet Show 11:30 a.m. University Hills Branch, 4721 Loyola Ln. FREE. library.austintexas.gov/literature-live. High Noon Talk: Texas Roller Derby 12 p.m. Texas State History Museum, 1800 N. Congress. FREE. thestoryoftexas.com or 512‑936‑8746. Yoga in the Park ++ 12 to 1 p.m. Republic Square Park, 422 Guadalupe. FREE. austinparks.org. Easter Eggstravaganza 5 to 8 p.m. Gregg-Clarke Park, 700 Lehman Rd., Kyle. FREE. cityofkyle.com/park. Arts and Crafts ++ 6 to 7 p.m. Wells Branch Library, 15001 Wells Port Dr. FREE. wblibrary.org or 512‑989‑3188. Music on Main Street: La Mona Loca ++ 6 to 8 p.m. Main Street Plaza Stage, Round Rock. FREE. roundrocktexas.gov. Night Crafters 6 to 8:30 p.m. Manchaca Road Branch, 5500 Manchaca Road. FREE. library.austintexas.gov or 512‑974‑8700. Fifth Annual Sarah and Ernest Butler Texas Young Composers Concert 7:30 p.m. The Long Center, 701 W. Riverside Dr. $8. thelongcenter.org or 512‑457‑5115. Wednesday Night Contra Dancing ++ 7:30 to 9:45 p.m. Hancock Recreation Center, 811 E. 41st St. FREE. austinbarndancers.org or 512‑453‑4225.
Thursday 2
CPC Thursday Noonday Concerts ++ 12:05 to 12:35 p.m. Central Presbyterian Church, 200 E. Eighth St. FREE. cpcaustin.org. First Thursdays 5 to 8 p.m. Congress Avenue, Barton Springs Rd. to Elizabeth St. FREE. firstthursday.info. Teen Flash Light Egg Hunt 5 to 9 p.m. Givens Rec Center, 3811 E. 12th St. FREE. austintexas.gov or 512‑974‑2430. Starry Nights 5:30 to 7 p.m. Girlstart, 1400 Anderson Square. FREE. girlstart.org.
Photos with the Easter Bunny April 1-4
CONTINUING: La Belle: The Ship That Changed History see Wednesday 1; Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland see Wednesday 1; Woodland Faerie Trail see Wednesday 1; Spirit Theatre: Shipwrecked see Wednesday 1; IMAX: Jerusalem 3D see Wednesday 1; Photos with the Easter Bunny see Wednesday 1.
Friday 3
Good Friday C-Days @ the DAC - Art and Science 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dougherty Arts Center, 1110 Barton Springs Rd. $52 resident. Sprouts 9:30 to 11 a.m. Wildflower Center, 4801 La Crosse Ave. Free for members. Sixth Annual Easter Egg Dye-O-Rama 12 to 4 p.m. Neill-Cochran House Museum, 2310 San Gabriel St. FREE and eggs and supplies provided. nchmuseum.org or 512‑478‑2335. First Fridays 5 to 10 p.m. Dowtown Georgetown, Historic Square, Georgetown. FREE. thegeorgetownsquare.com or 512‑868‑8675. Friday Night Live 6 to 9 p.m. Farley Middle School, 303 County Rd. 137, Hutto. $10 per student. huttotx.gov or 512‑759‑4030. CONTINUING: La Belle: The Ship That Changed History see Wednesday 1; Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland see Wednesday 1; Woodland Faerie Trail see Wednesday 1; Spirit Theatre: Shipwrecked see Wednesday 1; IMAX: Jerusalem 3D see Wednesday 1; Photos with the Easter Bunny see Wednesday 1.
Saturday 4
Passover Begins Annual Mighty Texas Dog Walk All Day. Auditorium Shores, 800 W. Riverside Dr. $20 pre-register or $25 walk day. roadwayevents.com. Madrone Canyon Hike 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Laura Bush Library, 9411 Bee Cave Rd. FREE. westbanklibrary.com or 512‑327‑3045. Life in Color: Family Fun Day 9:30 to 11 a.m. Central Baptist Church, 301-B N. Lake
Creek Dr., Round Rock. FREE. centralrr.com/kids/ lifeincolor. 7th Annual Chicken Coop Tour 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunshine Community Gardens, 4814 Sunshine Dr. $10. Easter Egg Hunt and Celebration 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Bethany Lutheran Church, 3701 W. Slaughter Ln. FREE. blcms.org. Nature Play Hour 10 to 11 a.m. Wildflower Center, 4801 La Crosse Ave. Free for members. Pokemon Saturday Morning Breakfast Club 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Tribe Comics and Games, 3005 S. Lamar. FREE. tribecag.com or 512‑693‑4300. Jack and the Beanstalk 11 a.m. Scottish Rite Theater, 207 W. 18th St. $6 ages 12 and under. Texas VegFest 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fiesta Gardens, 2101 Jesse E. Segovia St. FREE. texasvegfest.com. “Chicken Big!” Puppet Show 12 p.m. Sunshine Community Gardens, 4814 Sunshine Dr. FREE. library.austintexas.gov/literature-live. Giant Chess ++ 12:30 to 3 p.m. Wooldridge Square Park, 900 Guadalupe. FREE. giantchess.org. Jack and the Beanstalk 1 p.m. Scottish Rite Theater, 207 W. 18th St. $6 ages 12 and under. Under the Oaks: The Magikhana Show 5 p.m. French Legation Museum Lawn, 9th St. and Embassy Dr. $5. frenchlegationmuseum.org or 512‑471‑8180. CONTINUING: La Belle: The Ship That Changed History see Wednesday 1; Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland see Wednesday 1; Woodland Faerie Trail see Wednesday 1; Spirit Theatre: Shipwrecked see Wednesday 1; IMAX: Jerusalem 3D see Wednesday 1; Photos with the Easter Bunny see Wednesday 1.
Sunday 5
Easter Sunday Family Fun Day 12 to 4 p.m. Umlauf Sculpture Garden, 605 Robert E. Lee Rd. FREE. umlaufsculpture.org or 512‑445‑5582. Free First Sundays 12 to 5 p.m. Bob Bullock State History Museum, 1800 N. Congress Ave. FREE. thestoryoftexas.com or 512‑936‑8746. Jack and the Beanstalk 12:30 and 2:30 p.m. Scottish Rite Theater, 207 W. 18th St. $6 ages 12 and under. Community Art Sundays 1 to 4 p.m. Center for Creative Action, 2921 E. 17th St. Bldg. B. FREE. creativeaction.org. Sunday Fundays: Lawn Games 1 to 4 p.m. Neill-Cochran House Museum, 2310 San Gabriel St. FREE. nchmuseum.org or 512‑478‑2335. CONTINUING: La Belle: The Ship That Changed History see Wednesday 1; Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland see Wednesday 1; Woodland Faerie Trail see Wednesday 1; Spirit Theatre: Shipwrecked see Wednesday 1; IMAX: Jerusalem 3D see Wednesday 1.
Monday 6
Everything Art 4 to 5 p.m. Ruiz Branch, 1600 Grove Blvd. FREE. library. austintexas.gov or 512‑974‑7500. CONTINUING: La Belle: The Ship That Changed History see Wednesday 1; Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland see Wednesday 1; Woodland Faerie Trail see Wednesday 1; Spirit Theatre: Shipwrecked see Wednesday 1; IMAX: Jerusalem 3D see Wednesday 1.
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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Tuesday 7
SPARK Homeschooling Group 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Wells Branch Library, 15001 Wells Port Dr. FREE. wblibrary.org or 512‑989‑3188. Lego Club 4:30 to 5:15 p.m. Pflugerville Public Library-Poppy Room, 1008 W. Pfluger St., Pflugerville. FREE. pflugervilletx.gov or 512‑990‑6375. Family Activity Night: Laughter Yoga 6:30 p.m. Laura’s Library, 9411 Bee Cave Rd. FREE. westbanklibrary.com or 512‑327‑3045. Homeschool Teen Group: Game Night 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Pflugerville Public LibraryPoppy Room, 1008 Pfluger St., Pflugerville. FREE. pflugervilletx.gov or 512‑990‑6375. CONTINUING: La Belle: The Ship That Changed History see Wednesday 1; Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland see Wednesday 1; Woodland Faerie Trail see Wednesday 1; Spirit Theatre: Shipwrecked see Wednesday 1; IMAX: Jerusalem 3D see Wednesday 1.
Wednesday 8
Sprouts 9:30 to 11 a.m. Wildflower Center, 4801 La Crosse Ave. Members Free. CONTINUING: La Belle: The Ship That Changed History see Wednesday 1; Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland see Wednesday 1; Woodland Faerie Trail see Wednesday 1; Spirit Theatre: Shipwrecked see Wednesday 1; IMAX: Jerusalem 3D see Wednesday 1; Arts and Crafts see Wednesday 1; Music on Main Street see Wednesday 1; Wednesday Night Contra Dancing see Wednesday 1; Sprouts see Wednesday 1; Yoga in the Park see Wednesday 1.
Thursday 9
Thinkery at the Library 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Windsor Park Branch, 5833 Westminster Dr. FREE. library.austintexas.gov or 512‑974‑9840. Crafternoon 4 p.m. Twin Oaks Branch, 1800 S. Fifth St. FREE. http:// library.austintexas.gov or 512‑974‑9980. Sip, Shop and Stroll 5 to 8 p.m. Downtown, Elgin. FREE. elgintx.com. Movies in the Park: Guardians of the Galaxy 8 p.m. Wooldridge Square Park, 900 Guadalupe St. FREE. austinparks.org. CONTINUING: La Belle: The Ship That Changed History see Wednesday 1; Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland see Wednesday 1; Woodland Faerie Trail see Wednesday 1; Spirit Theatre: Shipwrecked see Wednesday 1; IMAX: Jerusalem 3D see Wednesday 1; CPC Thursday Noon Concerts see Thursday 2.
Friday 10
32nd Annual Blue Bonnet Festival ++ 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Historic Burnet Square, Burnet. bluebonnetfestival.org. Sprouts 9:30 to 11 a.m. Wildflower Center, 4801 La Crosse Ave. Free for members.
Easter Seals Play Group 10 to 11:30 a.m. Easter Seals Central Texas, 1611 Headway Circle, Bldg 2. FREE. easterseals.com/centraltx or 512‑615‑6833. Sesame Street Live “Let’s Dance!” 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. UT Erwin Center, 1701 Red River. uterwincenter.com or 512‑471‑7744. Jaime Laredo and Sharon Robison 8 p.m. The Long Center, 701 W. Riverside Dr. $12. thelongcenter.org or 512‑457‑5115. Movies in the Park - Planes: Fire and Rescue 8 p.m. Elizabeth Milburn Park, 1901 Sun Chase Blvd., CedarPark. FREE. cedarparktexas.gov. CONTINUING: La Belle: The Ship That Changed History see Wednesday 1; Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland see Wednesday 1; Woodland Faerie Trail see Wednesday 1; Spirit Theatre: Shipwrecked see Wednesday 1; IMAX: Jerusalem 3D see Wednesday 1.
Saturday 11 Passover Ends Bright Leaf Hike ++ 9 a.m. Bright Leaf Preserve, Creek Mountain Rd. FREE. brightleaf.org or 512‑459‑7269. Market Days on the Square 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Downtown Square, Georgetown. FREE. thegeorgetownsquare.com. Pine Street Market Days 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pine Street, Bastrop. FREE. bastroptexas.net or 512‑303‑6233. Bevo for Kids Amplify Austin 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. University Co-op, 2246 Guadalupe St. FREE. Hands-On-History 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Williamson Museum, 716 S. Austin, Georgetown. FREE. williamsonmuseum.org or 512‑943‑1670. Nature Play Hour 10 to 11 a.m. Wildflower Center, 4801 La Crosse Ave. Free for members. Preschool Spring Fair 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. All Austin Cooperative Nursery School, 2301 Hancock Dr. FREE. allaustincoop.org or 512‑454‑5315. Sesame Street Live “Let’s Dance!” 10:30 a.m., 2 and 5 p.m. UT Erwin Center, 1701 Red River. uterwincenter.com or 512‑471‑7744. Fifth Annual Empty Bowl Festival 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Cedar Ridge High School, 2801 Gattis School Rd., Round Rock. Suggested donation $10. roundrockarts.org/events/empty-bowl or 512‑704‑0100. Second Saturdays are for Families 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Laguna Gloria, 3809 W. 35th. $10 per family or $5 for members. thecontemporaryaustin.org or 512‑458‑8191. Ninth Annual Heritage Festival 1 to 5 p.m. Elizabeth Milburn Park, 1901 Sun Chase Blvd., Cedar Park. FREE. cedarparktexas.gov or 512‑401‑5528. Minecraft Free Play 2 to 4 p.m. Howson Branch, 2500 Exposition Blvd. FREE. library.austintexas.gov or 512‑974‑8800.
Ten Things... to Do With Hard-Boiled Eggs
1
Add quartered eggs to a green salad.
2
Broil sliced eggs and cheese atop toast.
3
Add chopped eggs to tuna or potato salad.
4
Scatter chopped eggs in your next stir fry.
5
Sprinkle chopped eggs over warm, wilted greens.
6
Make deviled eggs. Spice them up with bacon, jalapeños or chives.
7
Make egg salad sandwiches. Get fancy with a little watercress.
8
Pickle whole eggs in a vinegar solution. Add beet juice for a gorgeous pink color.
9
Scatter eggshells around outdoor plants to deter snails and deer.
10 Pick us up at HEB, Whole Foods and Central Market
Add eggshells to your compost pile. Egg-cellent!
austinfamily.com | April 2015 | 63
Monday 13
Family Water Festival April 12
CONTINUING: La Belle: The Ship That Changed History see Wednesday 1; Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland see Wednesday 1; Woodland Faerie Trail see Wednesday 1; Spirit Theatre: Shipwrecked see Wednesday 1; IMAX: Jerusalem 3D see Wednesday 1; Jaime Laredo and Sharon Robison see Friday 10; 32nd Annual Blue Bonnet Festival see Friday 10; Giant Chess see Saturday 4.
Sunday 12
2015 Family Water Festival 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fiesta Gardens, 2101 Jesse E. Segovia St. FREE. coloradoriver.org. Sesame Street Live “Let’s Dance!” 1 and 4:30 p.m. UT Erwin Center, 1701 Red River. uterwincenter.com or 512‑471‑7744. CONTINUING: La Belle: The Ship That Changed History see Wednesday 1; Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland see Wednesday 1; Woodland Faerie Trail see Wednesday 1; Spirit Theatre: Shipwrecked see Wednesday 1; IMAX: Jerusalem 3D see Wednesday 1; 32nd Annual Blue Bonnet Festival see Friday 10; Bright Leaf Hike see Saturday 11; Pine Street Market Days see Saturday 11.
Crafternoon 3:30 p.m. Manchaca Road Branch, 5500 Manchaca Rd., Austin. FREE. library.austintexas.gov or 512‑974‑8700. Lego Lab 3:30 p.m. Howson Branch, 2500 Exposition Blvd., Austin. FREE. library. austintexas.gov or 512‑974‑8800. CONTINUING: La Belle: The Ship That Changed History see Wednesday 1; Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland see Wednesday 1; Woodland Faerie Trail see Wednesday 1; Spirit Theatre: Shipwrecked see Wednesday 1; IMAX: Jerusalem 3D see Wednesday 1.
Tuesday 14
Kickstart: Scavenger Hunt 4:30 to 5:15 p.m. Pflugerville Public Library Wisteria Computer Lab, 1008 W. Pfluger St., Pflugerville. FREE. pflugervilletx.gov or 512‑990‑6375. Family Activity Night: Puzzles and Games 6:30 p.m. Laura’s Library, 9411 Bee Cave Rd. FREE. westbanklibrary.com or 512‑327‑3045.
Wednesday 15
Tax Day Toddler Enrichment Meeting 10 a.m. Brentwood Park, 6710 Arroyo Seco. FREE. texaslll.org. CONTINUING: La Belle: The Ship That Changed History see Wednesday 1; Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland see Wednesday 1; Woodland Faerie Trail see Wednesday 1; Spirit Theatre: Shipwrecked see Wednesday 1; IMAX: Jerusalem 3D see Wednesday 1; Arts and Crafts see Wednesday 1; Music on Main Street see Wednesday 1; Wednesday Night Contra Dancing see Wednesday 1; Sprouts see Wednesday 1; Yoga in the Park see Wednesday 1.
Thursday 16
Art and Activities at the Blanton 12 to 7:30 p.m. Blanton Museum, Congress Ave. and MLK Blvd. FREE. blantonmuseum.org or 512‑471‑5482.
CONTINUING: La Belle: The Ship That Changed History see Wednesday 1; Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland see Wednesday 1; Woodland Faerie Trail see Wednesday 1; Spirit Theatre: Shipwrecked see Wednesday 1; IMAX: Jerusalem 3D see Wednesday 1; CPC Thursday Noon Concerts see Thursday 2.
Friday 17
14th Annual Lonestar Rod and Kustom Round Up ++ 10 a.m. Travis County Expo, 290 Hwy. $15 General admission. Round Rock Express vs Memphis 7 p.m. Dell Diamond, 3400 E. Palm Vallley Blvd., Round Rock. $12 and up. roundrockexpress.com or 512‑255‑2255. CONTINUING: La Belle: The Ship That Changed History see Wednesday 1; Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland see Wednesday 1; Woodland Faerie Trail see Wednesday 1; Spirit Theatre: Shipwrecked see Wednesday 1; IMAX: Jerusalem 3D see Wednesday 1.
Saturday 18
Hutto Chamber’s Crawfish Festival All Day. Downtown Hutto, huttotx.gov. Hutto Rotary BBQ Cookoff All Day. Downtown Hutto, huttotx.gov. Texas Military Forces Open House ++ 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Camp Mabry, 2210 W. 35th St. FREE. txmf.us. 17th Annual Butterfly Festival 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Emily Ann Theatre and Gardens, 1101 FM 2325, Wimberly. Free-Donations accepted. emilyann.org. 3rd Annual Pearls of Youth Art Show ++ 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Historic Downtown, 107 N. Main, Elgin. elginartassociation.com. Inaugural Round Rock Cultural Fest 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Centennial Plaza, 301 W. Bagdad, Round Rock. FREE. roundrocktexas.gov. Nature Play Hour 10 to 11 a.m. Wildflower Center, 4801 La Crosse Ave. Free for members.
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Pokemon Saturday Morning Breakfast Club 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Tribe Comics and Games, 3005 S. Lamar. FREE. tribecag.com or 512‑693‑4300. Cenicienta/Cinderella 11 a.m., 2 and 6:30 p.m. Playing through May 29. Zach Theatre, Whisenhunt Stage, 1510 Toomey Rd. zachtheatre.org or 512‑476‑0541. Round Rock Express vs Memphis 6 p.m. Dell Diamond, 3400 E. Palm Valley Blvd., Round Rock. $12 and up. roundrockexpress.com or 512‑255‑2255. The Boston Brass and All that Jazz 8 p.m. Austin ISD Performing Arts Center, Mueller Blvd. and Barbara Jordan Blvd. Admission $10. CONTINUING: La Belle: The Ship That Changed History see Wednesday 1; Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland see Wednesday 1; Woodland Faerie Trail see Wednesday 1; Spirit Theatre: Shipwrecked see Wednesday 1; IMAX: Jerusalem 3D see Wednesday 1; Giant Chess see Saturday 4; 14th Annual Lonestar Rod and Kustom Round Up see Friday 17.
Sunday 19
Family Yoga 11 a.m. Wooldridge Square Park, 900 Guadalupe St. FREE. austinparks.org. Round Rock Express vs Memphis 1 p.m. Dell Diamond, 3400 E. Palm Valley Blvd., Round Rock. $12 and up. roundrockexpress.com or 512‑255‑2255. CONTINUING: La Belle: The Ship That Changed History see Wednesday 1; Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland see Wednesday 1; Woodland Faerie Trail see Wednesday 1; Spirit Theatre: Shipwrecked see Wednesday 1; IMAX: Jerusalem 3D see Wednesday 1; Annual American Heroes Airshow see Saturday 18; Texas Military Forces Open House see Saturday 18; 3rd Annual Pearls of Youth Art Show see Saturday 18.
Monday 20
Tuesday 21
Crafternoon 4 p.m. Ruiz Branch, 1600 Grove Blvd. FREE. library. austintexas.gov or 512‑974‑7500. Lego Lab 4:30 p.m. Manchaca Branch, 5500 Manchaca Rd. FREE. library.austintexas.gov or 512‑974‑8700. Family Activity Night: Craft 5:30 to 7 p.m. Laura’s Library , 9411 Bee Cave Rd. FREE. westbanklibrary.com or 512‑327‑3045. Teen Movie Night: Pitch Perfect 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Pflugerville Public Library-Poppy Room, 1008 W. Pfluger St., Pflugerville. FREE. pflugervilletx.gov or 512‑990‑6375. Round Rock Express vs Colorado Springs 7 p.m. Dell Diamond, 3400 E. Palm Valley Blvd., Round Rock. $12 and up. roundrockexpress.com or 512‑255‑2255. Annie, Broadway Across America at Bass Concert Hall, Tickets at 512-477-6060. CONTINUING: La Belle: The Ship That Changed History see Wednesday 1; Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland see Wednesday 1; Woodland Faerie Trail see Wednesday 1; Spirit Theatre: Shipwrecked see Wednesday 1; IMAX: Jerusalem 3D see Wednesday 1.
Wednesday 22
Earth Day Culture Nights 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. AGE Cafeteria, 3710 Cedar St. austinpowwow.net. Round Rock Express vs Colorado Springs 7 p.m. Dell Diamond, 3400 E. Palm Valley Blvd., Round Rock. $12 and up. roundrockexpress.com or 512‑255‑2255.
Happy Easter
Round Rock Express vs Memphis 7 p.m. Dell Diamond, 3400 E. Palm Valley Blvd.,
Round Rock. $12 and up. roundrockexpress.com or 512‑255‑2255. CONTINUING: La Belle: The Ship That Changed History see Wednesday 1; Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland see Wednesday 1; Woodland Faerie Trail see Wednesday 1; Spirit Theatre: Shipwrecked see Wednesday 1; IMAX: Jerusalem 3D see Wednesday 1.
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Movies in the Park: 180 Degrees South 8 p.m. Wooldridge Square Park, 900 Guadalupe St. FREE. austinparks.org. CONTINUING: La Belle: The Ship That Changed History see Wednesday 1; Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland see Wednesday 1; Woodland Faerie Trail see Wednesday 1; Spirit Theatre: Shipwrecked see Wednesday 1; IMAX: Jerusalem 3D see Wednesday 1; Arts and Crafts see Wednesday 1; Music on Main Street see Wednesday 1; Wednesday Night Contra Dancing see Wednesday 1; Sprouts see Wednesday 1; Yoga in the Park see Wednesday 1; Annie see Tuesday 21.
Thursday 23
Take Your Daughter or Son to Work Day All Day. Across the U.S., around Austin. FREE. daughtersandsonstowork.org. Thinkery at the Library 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Windsor Bark Branch, 5833 Westminister Dr. FREE. library.austintexas.gov or 512‑974‑9840. Round Rock Express vs Colorado Springs 7 p.m. Dell Diamond, 3400 E. Palm Valley Blvd., Round Rock. $12 and up. roundrockexpress.com or 512‑255‑2255. CONTINUING: La Belle: The Ship That Changed History see Wednesday 1; Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland see Wednesday 1; Woodland Faerie Trail see Wednesday 1; Spirit Theatre: Shipwrecked see Wednesday 1; IMAX: Jerusalem 3D see Wednesday 1; CPC Thursday Noon Concerts see Thursday 2; Annie see Tuesday 21.
Friday 24
Arbor Day 16th Annual Red Poppy Festival ++ 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Downtown Georgetown. poppy.georgetown.org or 512‑436‑8696. Round Rock Express vs Colorado Springs 7 p.m. Dell Diamond, 3400 E. Palm Valley Blvd., Round Rock. $12 and up. roundrockexpress.com or 512‑255‑2255.
Moves in the Park - Big Hero 6 8 p.m. Elizabeth Milburn Park, 1901 Sun Chase Blvd., Cedar Park. FREE. cedarparktexas.gov. CONTINUING: La Belle: The Ship That Changed History see Wednesday 1; Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland see Wednesday 1; Woodland Faerie Trail see Wednesday 1; Spirit Theatre: Shipwrecked see Wednesday 1; IMAX: Jerusalem 3D see Wednesday 1; Annie see Tuesday 21.
Saturday 25
18th Annual Buda County Fair and Wiener Dog Races ++ All Day. Buda City Park, 204 San Antonio Rd.. $5 adults and kids over 12. 2015 Sunset Valley Art Fest 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunset Valley, 3200 Jones Rd. FREE. sunsetvalley.org. 65th Annual Art City Austin 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Downtown Austin, Cedar Chavez between Guadalupe and Lamar. $10. artallianceaustin.org. Nature Play Hour 10 to 11 a.m. Wildflower Center, 4801 La Crosse Ave. Free for members. Second Annual Cedar Bark Festival 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Cedar Bark Park at Veteran’s Memorial Park, 2525 W. New Hope Dr., Cedar Park. FREE. cedarparktexas.gov or 512‑401‑5500. 21st Annual Louisiana Swamp Thing and Crawfish 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Dowtown Austin, 305 S. Congress. $20. Cenicienta/Cinderella 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Zach Theatre-Whisenhunt Stage, 1510 Toomey Rd. zachtheatre.org or 512‑476‑0541. 2015 Annual Bluebonnet Air Show 12 to 4 p.m. Burnet Airport, 281 South, Burnet. Adults $15. CONTINUING: La Belle: The Ship That Changed History see Wednesday 1; Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland see Wednesday 1; Woodland Faerie Trail see Wednesday 1; Spirit Theatre: Shipwrecked see Wednesday 1; IMAX: Jerusalem 3D see Wednesday 1; Annie see Tuesday 21; 16th Annual Red Poppy Festival see Friday 24; Giant Chess see Saturday 4.
Sunday 26
Austin Fashion Doll Club All Day. Laura’s Library, 9411 Bee Cave Rd. westbanklibrary.com or 512‑327‑3045. “Mr. Will” Dupuy Kids Show 10 to 11:30 a.m. Cherrywood Coffeehouse, 1400 East 38 ½ St. FREE. mrwillmusic.com. 65th Annual Art City Austin 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Downtown Austin, Cesar Chavez between Guadalupe and Lamar. $10. artallianceaustin. org. Family Dance Workshop 2:30 to 3:45 p.m. Ballet Austin, 501 W. Third St. $10. balletaustin.org or 512‑501‑8703. CONTINUING: La Belle: The Ship That Changed History see Wednesday 1; Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland see Wednesday 1; Woodland Faerie Trail see Wednesday 1; Spirit Theatre: Shipwrecked see
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Wednesday 1; IMAX: Jerusalem 3D see Wednesday 1; 16th Annual Red Poppy Festival see Friday 24; Annie see Tuesday 21; 18th Annual Buda County Fair and Wiener Dog Races see Saturday 25.
Monday 27
Round Rock Express vs Memphis 7 p.m. Dell Diamond, 3400 E. Palm Valley Blvd., Round Rock. $12 and up. roundrockexpress.com or 512‑255‑2255. CONTINUING: La Belle: The Ship That Changed History see Wednesday 1; Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland see Wednesday 1; Woodland Faerie Trail see Wednesday 1; Spirit Theatre: Shipwrecked see Wednesday 1; IMAX: Jerusalem 3D see Wednesday 1.
Tuesday 28
Crafternoon - Homeschool Edition 1:30 p.m. Faulk Central Library, 800 Guadalupe St. FREE. library.austintexas.gov or 512‑974‑7400. Crafternoon - After School 4 to 5 p.m. Faulk Central Library, 800 Guadalupe St. Free and open to the public. Pajama Storytime 6:30 p.m. Laura’s Library, 9411 Bee Cave. FREE. westbanklibrary.com or 512‑327‑3045. CONTINUING: La Belle: The Ship That Changed History see Wednesday 1; Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland see Wednesday 1; Woodland Faerie Trail see Wednesday 1; Spirit Theatre: Shipwrecked see Wednesday 1; IMAX: Jerusalem 3D see Wednesday 1.
Wednesday 29
CONTINUING: La Belle: The Ship That Changed History see Wednesday 1; Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland see Wednesday 1; Woodland Faerie Trail see Wednesday 1; Spirit Theatre: Shipwrecked see Wednesday 1; IMAX: Jerusalem 3D see Wednesday 1; Arts and Crafts see Wednesday 1; Music on Main Street see Wednesday 1; Wednesday Night Contra Dancing see Wednesday 1; Sprouts see Wednesday 1; Yoga in the Park see Wednesday 1.
Thursday 30
Studio Spotlight: Swan Lake 12 to 1 p.m. Ballet Austin AustinVentures Theater, 501 W. Third St. FREE. balletaustin.org or 512‑501‑8703. “Chicken Big!” Puppet Show 5:30 p.m. Ruiz Branch, 1600 Grove Blvd. FREE. library. austintexas.gov/literature-live. Round Rock Express vs Nashville 7 p.m. Dell Diamond, 3400 E. Palm Valley Blvd., Round Rock. $12 and up. roundrockexpress.com or 512‑255‑2255. CONTINUING: La Belle: The Ship That Changed History see Wednesday 1; Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland see Wednesday 1; Woodland Faerie Trail see Wednesday 1; Spirit Theatre: Shipwrecked see Wednesday 1; IMAX: Jerusalem 3D see Wednesday 1; CPC Thursday Noon Concerts see Thursday 2.
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continued on page 68
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PIENSAPOSITIVO El Reconocimiento Es muy bonito cuando se siente apreciado en el trabajo o en casa, ¿no es así? Bueno, eso es precisamente lo que cada persona tiene que seguir haciendo, un buen trabajo. Si los niños no reciben palabras de aliento y aprecio de sus padres y maestros, entonces pudiera ser que los psicólogos llenen esos espacios vacíos con la terapia o incluso medicamentos. Recuerde que sus acciones los impactan más que sus palabras. Por lo tanto, si quiere que aprendan lo que usted desea, muéstreselos con amor y decisión. Piensa positivo. Appreciation It is great when you feel appreciated at work or at home, isn’t it? Well, that is exactly what every person needs to continue doing a good job. If your children do not receive words of encouragement and appreciation from their parents and teachers, then it may be the psychologist who will fill those empty spaces with therapy or even medication. Remember that your actions have a greater impact on them than your words. Thus, if you want them to learn what you desire, show them with love and decisiveness. Think positive.
by Leslie Montoya Host of Despierta Austin
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continued from page 66
parenting events Open House events are in green Wednesday 1
La Leche League Meeting 10 a.m. Austin Public Library North Village Branch, 2505 Steck Ave. FREE. texaslll.org.
Thursday 2
Crianza con Cariño – Clases de padres 9 to 11 a.m. Any Baby Can, 1121 E. 7th St. FREE. anybabycan.org. Nurturing Parenting 9 to 11 a.m. Any Baby Can, 1121 East 7th St. FREE. anybabycan.org or 512‑454‑3743. Postpartum Support Group 10 to 11:30 a.m. Any Baby Can, 1121 E. 7th St. FREE. anybabycan.org. Clases de Crianza con Cariño en Español 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Any Baby Can, 1121 E. 7th St. FREE. anybabycan.org. Parenting Class 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Any Baby Can, 1121 E. 7th St. FREE. anybabycan.org. La Leche League Meeting 7 p.m. North Austin Medical Center, Room 2B, 12221 N. Mopac Expy. FREE. texaslll.org. Monthly Moms Meeting 7 to 9 p.m. send email for exact address, Hwy 183 and Anderson Mill Rd. FREE. northaustinmothersclub.org.
Saturday 4
English Conversation Group 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Wells Branch Community Library, 15001 Wells Port Dr. FREE. wblibrary.org or 512‑989‑3188. Clases de Crianza con Cariño en Español 3 to 5 p.m. Any Baby Can, 1121 E. 7th St. FREE. anybabycan.org. Parenting Class 3 to 5 p.m. Any Baby Can, 1121 E. 7th St. FREE. anybabycan.org.
Monday 6
Clases de Crianza con Cariño en Español 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Any Baby Can, 1121 E. 7th St. FREE. anybabycan.org.
Tuesday 7
La Leche League Meeting 10 a.m. Christ’s Workshop, 212 E. Monroe. FREE. texaslll.org. Little Texas Homeschoolers 10:30 a.m. Wells Branch Community Library, 15001 Wells Port Dr. FREE. wblibrary.org. Clases de Crianza con Cariño en Español 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Any Baby Can, 1121 E. 7th St. FREE. anybabycan.org. Nurturing Parenting 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Any Baby Can, 1121 East 7th St. FREE. anybabycan.org or 512‑454‑3743. Celebrate Family & Friends 12 to 2 p.m. All locations, steppingstoneschool.com or 512-459-0258. Parenting Class 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Any Baby Can, 1121 E. 7th St. FREE. anybabycan.org.
Wednesday 8
La Leche League Meeting 10:15 a.m. Will Hampton Branch Library, 5125 Convict Hill Rd. FREE. texaslll.org.
Thursday 9
Crianza con Cariño – Clases de padres 9 to 11 a.m. Any Baby Can, 1121 E. 7th St. FREE. anybabycan.org. Nurturing Parenting 9 to 11 a.m. Any Baby Can, 1121 East 7th St. FREE. anybabycan.org or 512‑454‑3743.
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Postpartum Support Group 10 to 11:30 a.m. Any Baby Can, 1121 E. 7th St. FREE. anybabycan.org. Clases de Crianza con Cariño en Español 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Any Baby Can, 1121 E. 7th St. FREE. anybabycan.org. Parenting Class 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Any Baby Can, 1121 E. 7th St. FREE. anybabycan.org.
Saturday 11
Clases de Crianza con Cariño en Español 3 to 5 p.m. Any Baby Can, 1121 E. 7th St. FREE. anybabycan.org. Parenting Class 3 to 5 p.m. Any Baby Can, 1121 E. 7th St. FREE. anybabycan.org.
Monday 13
Clases de Crianza con Cariño en Español 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Any Baby Can, 1121 E. 7th St. FREE. anybabycan.org.
Tuesday 14
Clases de Crianza con Cariño en Español 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Any Baby Can, 1121 E. 7th St. FREE. anybabycan.org. Nurturing Parenting 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Any Baby Can, 1121 East 7th St. FREE. anybabycan.org or 512‑454‑3743. Parenting Class 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Any Baby Can, 1121 E. 7th St. FREE. anybabycan.org. Open House St. Gabriel’s Catholic School 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., 512-327-7755 or sgs-austin.org.
Thursday 16
Crianza con Cariño – Clases de padres 9 to 11 a.m. Any Baby Can, 1121 E. 7th St. FREE. anybabycan.org. Nurturing Parenting 9 to 11 a.m. Any Baby Can, 1121 East 7th St. FREE. anybabycan.org or 512‑454‑3743. Postpartum Support Group 10 to 11:30 a.m. Any Baby Can, 1121 E. 7th St. FREE. anybabycan.org. Clases de Crianza con Cariño en Español 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Any Baby Can, 1121 E. 7th St. FREE. anybabycan.org. Parenting Class 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Any Baby Can, 1121 E. 7th St. FREE. anybabycan.org. Open House International School of Texas 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., 4105 Eck Ln., 512-351-3403 or istexas.org.
Saturday 18
Clases de Crianza con Cariño en Español 3 to 5 p.m. Any Baby Can, 1121 E. 7th St. FREE. anybabycan.org. Parenting Class 3 to 5 p.m. Any Baby Can, 1121 E. 7th St. FREE. anybabycan.org.
Monday 20
Clases de Crianza con Cariño en Español 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Any Baby Can, 1121 E. 7th St. FREE. anybabycan.org.
Tuesday 21
Clases de Crianza con Cariño en Español 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Any Baby Can, 1121 E. 7th St. FREE. anybabycan.org. Nurturing Parenting 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Any Baby Can, 1121 E. 7th St. FREE. anybabycan.org or 512‑454‑3743. Parenting Class 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Any Baby Can, 1121 E. 7th St. FREE. anybabycan.org.
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Thursday 23
Crianza con Cariño – Clases de padres 9 to 11 a.m. Any Baby Can, 1121 E. 7th St. FREE. anybabycan.org. Nurturing Parenting 9 to 11 a.m. Any Baby Can, 1121 East 7th St. FREE. anybabycan.org or 512‑454‑3743. Postpartum Support Group 10 to 11:30 a.m. Any Baby Can, 1121 E. 7th St. FREE. anybabycan.org. Clases de Crianza con Cariño en Español 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Any Baby Can, 1121 E. 7th St. FREE. anybabycan.org. Parenting Class 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Any Baby Can, 1121 E. 7th St. FREE. anybabycan.org.
Saturday 25
Clases de Crianza con Cariño en Español 3 to 5 p.m. Any Baby Can, 1121 E. 7th St. FREE. anybabycan.org. Parenting Class 3 to 5 p.m. Any Baby Can, 1121 E. 7th St. FREE. anybabycan.org.
Monday 27
Clases de Crianza con Cariño en Español 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Any Baby Can, 1121 E. 7th St. FREE. anybabycan.org.
Tuesday 28
Clases de Crianza con Cariño en Español 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Any Baby Can, 1121 E. 7th St. FREE. anybabycan.org. Nurturing Parenting 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Any Baby Can, 1121 E. 7th St. FREE. anybabycan.org or 512‑454‑3743. Parenting Class 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Any Baby Can, 1121 E. 7th St. FREE. anybabycan.org.
Thursday 30
Crianza con Cariño – Clases de padres 9 to 11 a.m. Any Baby Can, 1121 E. 7th St. FREE. anybabycan.org. Nurturing Parenting 9 to 11 a.m. Any Baby Can, 1121 E. 7th St. FREE. anybabycan.org or 512‑454‑3743. Postpartum Support Group 10 to 11:30 a.m. Any Baby Can, 1121 E. 7th St. FREE. anybabycan.org. Clases de Crianza con Cariño en Español 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Any Baby Can, 1121 E. 7th St. FREE. anybabycan.org. Parenting Class 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Any Baby Can, 1121 E. 7th St. FREE. anybabycan.org. Open House International School of Texas 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., 4105 Eck Ln., 512-351-3403 or istexas.org.
story times Public library story time events listed here are free unless otherwise noted. Programs subject to change. Please contact before attending. Austin Public Library story times are too numerous for our calendar, but include story times for infants, toddlers, preschoolers and all ages. In addition, there are dual language and Spanish language story times. Visit the Austin Public Library website for dates, locations, age groups and times. library.austintexas.gov or 512-974-7400.
Mondays
Baby Bloomers 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Ages 0 to 3 yrs. Thinkery, 1830 Simond Ave. Musical Storytime 9:30 a.m. Ages 3 to 5 yrs. Leander Library, 1011 S. Bagdad Rd., Leander. Leander.lib.tx.us or 512-259-5259.
Pick us up at HEB, Whole Foods and Central Market
Signing Storytime 10 a.m. Ages 0 to 5 yrs. Kaleidoscope Toys, 110 N. IH 35 #375, Round Rock. Baby Time 10 a.m. Ages 3 to 5 yrs. Pflugerville Public Library, 1008 W. Pfluger St. pflugervilletx.gov or 512-990-6375. Infant Storytime 10:30 a.m. Birth to 1 yr. Laura’s Library, 9411 Bee Cave Rd. westbanklibrary.co or 512-327-3045. Bookaneers 10:30 a.m. Ages 4 to 6 yrs. Lake Travis Library, 1938 Lohmans Crossing. Laketravislibrary.org or 512-263-2885. Bookworms 10:30 a.m.; ages 0 to 18 mos. 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. Bookworms 11:15 a.m. Ages 12 to 24 mos. Wells Branch Library, 15001 Wells Port Dr. wblibrary.org or 512-989-3188. All Ages Storytime 12:30 p.m. Laura’s Library, 9411 Bee Cave Rd. westbanklibrary.com or 512-327-3045. Paws and Read 6 to 7 p.m. Grades K to 2nd. Pflugerville Public Library, 1008 W. Pfluger St. pflugervilletx.gov or 512-990-6375. Evening Storytime at the Library 6:30 to 7 p.m. Round Rock Public Library, 216 E. Main St. roundrocktexas.gov/library or 512-218-7011.
Tuesdays
Baby and Me 9:30 a.m. Ages 0 to 12 mos. Georgetown Public Library, 420 W. 8th St. library-georgetown.org or 512-930-3623. Baby and Me 9:30 a.m. Ages 24 mos. and under with parent. Leander Public Library, 1011 S. Bagdad Rd., leander.lib.tx.us or 512-259-5259. Sprouts 9:30 to 11 a.m. Ages 2 to 6 yrs. Lady Bird Johnson
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Wildflower Center, 4801 La Crosse Ave. wildflower.org or 512-232-0100. Storytime 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. Pflugerville Public Library, 1008 W. Pfluger St. pflugervilletx.gov or 512-990-6375. Tales for Tots 10:30 a.m. Ages 2 and 3 yrs. Lake Travis Community Library, 1938 Lohmans Crossing. laketravislibrary.org or 512-263-2885. Preschool Storytime 10:30 a.m. Ages 3 to 5 yrs. Laura’s Library, 9411 Bee Cave Rd. westbanklibrary.com or 512-327-3045. Chinese Bilingual Storytime (first Monday only) 10:30 a.m. Ages 3 to 6 yrs. Round Rock Library, 216 E. Main St. roundrocktexas.gov/library or 512-218-5400. American Sign Language Bilingual Storytime (third Monday only) 10:30 a.m. Ages 1 to 6 yrs. Round Rock Library, 216 E. Main St. roundrocktexas.gov/library or 512-218-5400. Storytime 10:30 a.m. Barnes and Noble, 12701 Hill Country Blvd., Bee Cave. Barnesandnoble.com. Storytime 11 a.m. Barnes and Noble, 2701 Parker Rd., Round Rock. Barnesandnoble.com. 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 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.
Wednesdays
Babytime 9:30 a.m. 12 to 18 mos. Round Rock Public Library, 216 E. Main St. roundrocktexas.gov/library or 512-218-7011. Wobbles Storytime 9:30 a.m. Ages 1 to 2 yrs. Georgetown Public Library, 420 W. 8th St. library.georgetown.org or 512-930-3623. Toddlertime 9:30 and 10:30 a.m. 18 to 36 mos. Round Rock Public
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Library, 216 E. Main St. roundrocktexas.gov/library or 512-218-7011. Pre-K Storytime 10 a.m. Leander Public Library, 1011 Bagdad Rd. leander.lib.tx.us or 512-259-5259. Preschool Storytime 10:30 a.m. Ages 3 to 6 yrs. Round Rock Public Library, 216 E. Main St. roundrocktexas.gov/library or 512-218-7011. Tot Time Storytime 10:30 a.m. Ages 1 to 3 yrs. Laura’s Library, 9411 Bee Cave Rd. westbanklibrary.com or 512-327-3045. Baby Storytime 10:30 a.m. 3 to 24 mos. Lake Travis Community Library, 2300 Lohman’s Spur, Suite 100, laketravislibrary.org or 512-263-2885. Story Pals Storytime 10:30 a.m. Ages 3 yrs. and up. Georgetown Public Library, 420 W. 8th St. library.georgetown.org or 512-930-3626. Storytime 10:30 a.m. Barnes and Noble, 12701 Hill Country Blvd., Bee Cave. Barnesandnoble.com. Storytime 11 a.m. Barnes and Noble, 14010 Hwy. 183, Austin. Barnesandnoble.com.
Thursdays
Wobbles Storytime 9:30 a.m. Ages 1 to 2 yrs. Georgetown Public Library, 420 E. 8th St. library.georgetown.org or 512-930-3623. Babytime 9:30 a.m. 0 to 12 mos. Round Rock Public Library, 216 E. Main St. roundrocktexas.gov/library or 512-218-3179. Preschool Storytime 9:30 a.m. 3 to 6 yrs. Round Rock Public Library, 216 E. Main St. roundrocktexas.gov/library or 512-218-3179. Spanish Storytime 10 a.m. All ages. Leander Library, 1011 Bagdad Rd. leander.lib.tx.us or 512-259-5259. Spanish Storytime 10:30 a.m. All ages. Laura’s Library, 9411 Bee Cave Rd., westbanklibrary.com or 512-327-3045. Blanket Storytime 10:30 a.m. 0 to 12 mos. Laura’s Library, 9411 Bee Cave Rd., westbanklibrary.com or 512-327-3045. Preschool Storytime 10:30 a.m. 3 yrs. and older. Round Rock Public Library, 216 E. Main St. Round Rock. roundrocktexas.gov/library or 512-218-7012. Toddlertime 10:30 a.m. 18 mos. to 3 yrs. Round Rock Public Library, 216 E. Main St. roundrocktexas.gov/library or 512-218-7011. Story Pals Storytime 10:30 a.m. Ages 3 yrs. and up. Georgetown Public Library, 420 W. 8th St. library.georgetown.org or 512-930-3623. Kids Club 3:30 to 4:15 p.m. Pflugerville Public Library, 1008 W. Pfluger St., Pflugerville. FREE. tx-pflugerville2. civicplus.com.
Fridays
Sprouts 9:30 to 11 a.m. Ages 2 to 6 yrs. Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, 4801 La Crosse Ave. wildflower.org or 512-232-0100. Babytime 9:30 a.m. 0 to 12 mos. Round Rock Public Library, 216 E. Main St. roundrocktexas.gov/library or 512-218-3179. Baby and Me 10 a.m. Up to 24 mos. 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 mos. Wells Branch Community Library, 15001 Wells Port Rd. wblibrary.org or 512-989-3188. Children’s Storytime 10:30 a.m. Ages 0 to 5 yrs. Georgetown Public Library, 402 W. 8th St. library.georgetown.org or 512-930-3551. Toddlertime 10:30 a.m. 18 mos. to 3 yrs. Round Rock Public Library, 216 E. Main St. roundrocktexas.gov/library or 512-218-7011. Preschool Storytime 11:15 a.m. Ages 3 to 6 yrs. Wells Branch Library, 15001 Wells Port Dr. wblibrary.org or 512-989-3188. All Ages Storytime 12:30 p.m. Laura’s Library, 9411 Bee Cave Rd., westbanklibrary.com or 512-327-3045. Storytime 7 p.m. Barnes and Noble, 2701 Parker Rd., Round Rock. Barnesandnoble.com.
Saturdays
Baby Bloomers 9 to 10 a.m. Ages 0 to 3 yrs. Thinkery, 1830 Simond Ave. Family Storytime 11 a.m. Ages 3 to 8 yrs. Round Rock Public Library, 216 E. Main St. roundrocktexas.gov/library or 512-218-3279. Story Time 11 a.m. All ages. Wells Branch Community Library, 15001 Wells Port Dr. wblibrary.org or 512-989-3188. Vietnamese Storytime (second and fourth Saturdays only) 11 a.m. All ages. Wells Branch Community Library, 15001 Wells Port Dr. wblibrary.org or 512-989-3188. Reading Fairy (second and fourth Saturdays only) 11 a.m. Ages 5 to 12. Leander Public Library, 1011 S. Bagdad Rd. leander.lib.tx.us or 512-259-5259. Storytime 11 a.m. Barnes and Noble, 14010 Hwy. 183, Austin. Barnesandnoble.com. Bow Wow Reading Dogs 12 to 1 p.m. Ages 5 and up. Wells Branch Community Library, 15001 Wells Port Dr. wblibrary.org or 512-989-3188. READ Dogs 12 to 2 p.m. Georgetown Public Library, 402 W. 8th St. library.georgetown.org or 512-930-3551.
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films by Jack Kyser
Coming Soon to Theaters The Age of Adaline (Opens April 24, PG-13)—Blake Lively stars as Adaline Bowman in the story of a woman who has not aged for many years due to a car accident that magically made her immune to time. With a premise that recalls Tuck Everlasting (2002), the film co-stars Ellen Burstyn as Adaline’s nowgrown daughter and Harrison Ford as an old love from Adaline’s past. Avengers: Age of Ultron (Opens May 1, Not yet rated)—The eagerly anticipated sequel to 2012’s The Avengers brings back Marvel superheroes Iron Man (Robert Downey, Jr.), The Hulk (Mark Ruffalo), Captain America (Chris Evans), Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson), Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson), Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner) and Thor (Chris Hemsworth) for a showdown with villain Ultron (James Spader). With director Joss Whedon back on board and new cast members including Elizabeth Olsen, Aaron TaylorJohnson and Idris Elba, this film should start the summer movie season off with a bang—and if it’s even half as fun as its predecessor, it will be well worth the wait.
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Far from the Madding Crowd (Opens May 1, PG-13)—Based on the classic novel by Thomas Hardy, this is the latest film from the great Danish director Thomas Vinterberg (The Hunt). The movie stars Carey Mulligan as Bathsheba Everdene, a young woman in 19th-century England pursued by three men (Michael Sheen, Matthias Schoenaerts and Tom Sturridge). Co-starring Juno Temple, Far from the Madding Crowd should make for an excellent start to the summer for anyone not in the mood for superhero blockbusters. Tomorrowland (Opens May 22, Not yet rated)—If anyone can bring the fun, it’s director Brad Bird (The Incredibles, Ratatouille). For his second live-action film (after 2011’s massively entertaining Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol), Bird brings us Tomorrowland, with George Clooney and Britt Robertson journeying to a place, as described in the film’s trailer, “where nothing is impossible, where you can build whatever you’re crazy enough to imagine—a place where you could actually change the world.” Count me in.
Jack Kyser is a graduate of Austin High School and 2013 graduate of New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts. Pick us up at HEB, Whole Foods and Central Market
austinfamily.com | April 2015 | 71
humor
by Carrie Taylor
Birdmom
or (The Unexpected Virtue of Being a Stay-at-Home Mom) Not all women are meant to be stay-at-home moms. (Likewise, not all men are built to be stay-at-home dads.) It is a career path with a unique set of challenges you must overcome— most involve being more open to talking to yourself and admitting you actually enjoy daytime soap operas. For me, being the sole caretaker of my son and two fur babies is the best job anyone could have ever offered me. Truly. But anyone with my job title knows its perils. If you are considering walking down this road, take heed of the following side effects. • You begin to think you are much funnier than you actually are. Because laughing at your internal jokes becomes involuntary, and before you know it, you’ve transitioned into the female version of your dad. • You may develop an aversion to Pinterest, which manifests itself as nightmares that fill your head with images of glitter and mason jars, and then you wake up yelling the words, “rustic chic!”
uninterested teenage cashier at Target, whom you almost forgot to pay. “Whoops—sorry! Mommy forgot her morning coffee.” Cue the blank stare. • You leave the house in sweatpants and/or mismatching socks and/or house shoes without realizing it. Any makeup on your face is either left over from the other day when you actually got up early, or it is way over-done because you forgot how to even apply makeup, so you look like a cross between a carnival clown and Boy George. • You begin relating all your life experiences to episodes of Sofia the First instead of Friends. (Or is this just me?) • You become immune to the smell of spit-up and are confused when strangers wrinkle their noses when standing near you, because you had to have showered this morning….right? Carrie Taylor is a native Texan, freelance writer and mother of one precious baby boy.
• You unconsciously refer to yourself as “Mommy” to complete strangers—like the
72 April 2015 | austinfamily.com
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