Afm 2015 dec magazine by Austin Family Magazine

DECEMBER 2015

FREE ®

smart parenting • healthy homes

Serving Austin’s Families Since 1992

Ways to Ring in the New Year

Wondering How Much to Tip the Babysitter? Behind the Scenes at Terra Toys Science Fair Projects 101

ARTÍCULOS EN ESPAÑOL

INSIDE!

WRITERS CONTEST WINNERS • HOLIDAY CAMPS AND ACTIVITIES • CALENDAR

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DECEMBER 2015

smart parenting • healthy homes

12 18

Your Guide to Holiday Tips and Gifts

From Humble Start, Terra Toys Grows Its Family and Its Business

6 Ways to Ring in a Family-Friendly New Year

columns

calendar

en español

36 Museum Exhibits 36 Family Events 43 Parenting Events Storytimes

16 Asuntos Familiares

Family Matters

How to Help Your Child Through a Loss

20 Lifelines

Depression Rx: When Your Teen Is More Than Just Moody

28 The Learning Curve

Fun Fair: Science Projects Even a Parent Can Handle

Gift Ideas for the Gamer in Your Life

Family Connections

Ten Things…for Wrapping Gifts!

47 Smart Screentime™ 48 Just for Grins

Surviving Toddlerhood

tune in

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

See our online calendar for storytimes in your area.

in every issue 7

Play It Safe

Product recalls

8 Around Austin 45 Kidzone

Musical Shakers

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30 Curva de Aprendizaje

Feria Divertida: Proyectos de Ciencias Que Incluso un Padre Puede Manejar

35 Piensa Positivo Creatividad

Cover Shot

smart parenting • healthy homes

Georgia Jane is dreaming of a white Christmas

Cover photographed by Nichole Renee

FREE

DECEMBER 2015

Serving Austin’s Families Since 1992

Ways to Ring in the New Year

Wondering How Much to Tip the Babysitter? Behind the Scenes at Terra Toys Science Fair Projects 101

ARTÍCULOS EN ESPAÑOL

INSIDE!

WRITERS CONTEST WINNERS • HOLIDAY CAMPS AND ACTIVITIES • CALENDAR

extras 24 Holiday Family

Fun Guide 26 Writers Contest Winners 46 Focus on Doctors

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New items each week. Visit our website to register.

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® BY SHERIDA MOCK

December 2015

t’s hard to believe this year is nearly over, especially when there’s so much left to do! Have you got a to-do list as long as your arm? Well, take a breath and flip through this issue of Austin Family magazine. We’ve got solutions for all your urgent needs.

PUBLISHER

Looking for a last-minute toy shopping idea? Check out Terra Toys’ list of favorites, and while you’re at it, read our entertaining Q&A about the toy shop’s back story. Need to know how to thank the babysitter for a year’s worth of dedicated kid wrangling? Pam Molnar’s article gives you plenty of options.

COPY EDITOR

The latest video games, ideas for science fair projects and ways to celebrate New Year’s Eve with the kiddoes—we’ve got them all. And more, including a 10 Things list for getting out of a gift-wrapping rut.

CALENDAR EDITOR

But the words in this issue that bring me the most joy to present to you are those of our Young Writers Contest winners. Our theme this year was “My Favorite Way to Learn,” and together, the entrants told a story of the depth and diversity in our children’s educations. They wrote about the books, teachers and lessons that inspire them. It’s an honor and a pleasure to publish their words here. I hope you enjoy this holiday issue of Austin Family magazine and enjoy a delightful holiday season with your own family!

Volume 23, No. 9

Kaye K. Lowak

EDITOR

Sherida Mock: editor2003@austinfamily.com

Paula Halloum

ADVISING EDITORS

Dr. Betty Kehl Richardson, Barb Matijevich

Betty Kemper: calendar2003@austinfamily.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Sherida Mock, Dr. Betty Richardson, Jack Kyser, Richard Singleton, Jennifer VanBuren, Carrie Taylor, Brenda Schoolfield, Michelle Shirk and Pam Molnar

TRANSLATION TEAM

Maribel Ruvalcaba, Margo Vogelpohl and Pilar Korgel

ART DIRECTORS

Layout Designer: Dena Steiner Ad Designer: Jason Suarez nr2003@austinfamily.com

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Nichole Renee

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:

Tel: (512) 733-0038

On the web at:

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.

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Play it product recalls

safe

Government Recalls Bike Trailers, Plush Animals and Highchairs Burley Design is recalling about 34,000 bicycle trailers because the plastic tow bar receiver can separate from the tow bar, posing a crash hazard. The recall involves seven models with serial numbers K939, K942, K943, K948, KK939, D939 and D948. Affected units were sold at REI, Sport Chalet and other sporting goods stores and bike shops nationwide and at Amazon.com and other online retailers from January 2009 to October 2015 for between $300 and $700. Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled trailers and contact Burley for a free safety strap kit. Consumers should also inspect the plastic tow bar receiver and request a replacement if it appears to be cracked or damaged. Build-A-Bear is recalling about 33,600 stuffed animals because a seam can open, allowing the stuffing to be exposed, posing a choking hazard. The recall involves Starbrights Dragons, which are covered in blue furry fabric with a silver satin tummy, feet pads, wings and horns. Affected units were sold at Build-A-Bear Workshop stores and online at BuildaBear. com between April 2015 and August 2015 for about $25. Consumers should immediately take the recalled stuffed animal away from children and return it to any Build-A-Bear Workshop store to receive a coupon for any Build-A-Bear stuffed animal. Safety 1st is recalling about 35,000 highchairs because a child can remove the highchairâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tray, posing a fall hazard. The recall involves Wood DĂŠcor highchairs in three models: HC144BZF (Casablanca), HC229CZF (Gentle Lace) and HC229CYG (Black Lace). Affected units were sold at Babies R Us and Toys R Us retail stores nationwide and online at Amazon.com, BabiesRUs.com, ToysRUs.com, Walmart.com and other retailers from May 2013 through May 2015 for about $120. Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled highchairs and contact the firm to receive instructions on receiving a new tray with labels. af The U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission works to protect the public from unreasonable risks of serious injury or death from more than 15,000 types of consumer products.

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G O T O W W W. A U S T I N FA M I LY. C O M F O R W E E K LY U P D AT E S O F A R O U N D A U S T I N N E W S expectant parents and parents of infants. The class covers car seat safety, safe sleep practices, home safety, water safety and infant CPR and choking procedures. In addition, parents can have their car seat checked by a certified technician. Dell Children’s Medical Center will enforce its flu season protocol for visitors through March 2016.

Flu Season Protocol Dell Children’s Medical Center began enforcing its flu season protocol at the end of October and will continue until March 2016. To keep patients safe during flu season, all visitors must pass a screening process at the hospital’s main entrance to ensure that they are healthy enough to visit. In addition, the hospital will not allow visitors younger than 13. Children ages 13 to 17 may visit patients if they are a patient’s sibling and they pass the health screening. No one, of any age, should visit the hospital if he or she has respiratory illness symptoms such as a runny nose, body aches or fever.

The class is offered about four times per month in English and Spanish and lasts about three hours. Class sessions are hosted by Community Care Clinic. To register or get more information, email EMSPubEd@austintexas.gov or call 512-972-SAFE.

Healthcare Signup If you don’t have health insurance through your job, Medicare, Medicaid or another source, local officials say HealthCare.gov can help you find and enroll in a plan. Open enrollment for the Affordable Healthcare Act happens once a year, from Nov. 1 through Jan. 31.

Austin-Travis County EMS has launched Safe Baby Academy, a free class for The Enrollment Assistance Center is available for free help on using Healthcare.gov.

For participants who sign up by Dec. 15, coverage starts Jan. 1. Those who wait until Jan. 31 to enroll will receive coverage that begins Mar. 1. If you choose not to buy health insurance this year, you may have to pay a tax penalty of $695 or more.

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Mail those holiday cards. Dec. 9 is national Christmas Card Day. Connect with your kids. Separately take each one gift shopping for the other family members. Volunteer. Use the winter break to help your kids learn the value of giving back.

answer your questions for free. Call 512-534-0802 or visit the office at 2030 E. Oltorf St. Hours are 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, with extended hours on Tuesdays until 8 pm. For more information, visit HealthCare.gov for English or CuidadoDeSalud.gov for Spanish.

Safe Baby Academy

Austin-Travis County EMS teaches free Safe Baby Academy classes.

Must -Do This Month

Trained professionals at the local Enrollment Assistance Center can

Trail of Lights Tickets are on sale now for the 2015 Trail of Lights. The Trail of Lights Foundation suggests purchasing tickets in advance. Gate admission for Dec. 8-15 is free for everyone. Admission for Dec. 16-22 is $3 for ages 12 and up. Tickets can be purchased online at AustinTrailofLights.org, at Austin-area H-E-B locations and at the gate.

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Platinum passes are $75 for one or $225 for four. For more information, visit AustinTrailofLights.org.

Salvation Army Capital Campaign

This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Trail of Lights event is free Dec. 8-15 and requires admission Dec. 16-22.

Parking passes must be purchased separately at AustinTrailofLights.org in advance. Passes are $15 per car. Shuttle passes are $5 per person and include gate admission. Lap children ride free. Shuttle passes can be purchased at AustinTrailofLights.org and at Austin-area H-E-B locations. Shuttles begin running at 5:30 p.m. from each pickup location, with the last pickup at 8:30 p.m. The last shuttle leaves Zilker Park at 10:30 p.m. to take visitors back to pickup locations.

In mid-October, the Salvation Army Austin kicked off its capital campaign to raise $14 million. Officials say funds raised will support a renovated emergency shelter, a new shelter for continued on next page

ZiP fast passes guarantee front-of-line event access via a ZiP gate that opens early and access to a ZiP lounge with amenities. Fast passes must be purchased separately, in advance, at AustinTrailofLights.org. Fast passes are $15 per person for ages 6 and up. Platinum passes provide valet parking, early entry, drink tickets and Ferris wheel or carousel rides. Platinum passes must be purchased separately, in advance, at AustinTrailofLights.org.

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Henry Gonzalez kicks off the Salvation Armyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s capital campaign.

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Bedtime Survey Results Our October issue included a feature on tricks to make bedtime easier. Along with that story, we included an online survey asking our readers about bedtimes at their houses. Here are those results.

women and children, new facilities to administer Salvation Army programs and a new drug and alcohol rehab program for women.

When is bedtime for the children in your house?

This campaign runs at the same time as the familiar Red Kettle campaign, but there is a difference, officials said. Funds raised by the Red Kettle campaign support ongoing services, while the capital campaign will provide the brick and mortar facilities from which to deliver those services.

Between 8 and 9 n Between 7 and 8 n After 9

45 30 %

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numbers 65%

Percentage of Americans who said they send holiday cards. Source: Pew Research Center

26.3 million Number of real Christmas trees purchased in 2014. Source: National Christmas Tree Association

$861

Average amount Americans planned to spend during the 2014 holiday season. Source: American Research Group

Security Objects

Aromatherapy

Bedtime Snacks

Which of these bedtime tricks do you use with your children?

Soothing Sounds

For more information, visit InvisibleAustin.org.

20%

Room Darkening

“There is a quiet crisis of family homelessness in Austin,” said Area Commander Lt. Colonel Henry Gonzalez. “Through this capital campaign, we are shining a spotlight on family homelessness and raising the resources to greatly expand our capacity to serve them.”

50%

30%

by the

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WAYS TO

Ring in a Family-Friendly New Year

by Michelle Shirk

As a parent, you may be anticipating a New Year’s Eve that is less sequins and champagne and more mini hot dogs and Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. Fortunately, celebrating this traditionally decadent night in a family friendly way can be just as much fun for grown-ups as for kids.

If you’re willing to push back bedtime at least a little bit, those extra hours can provide a great opportunity to enjoy a creative family activity while making memories that will last for years to come. Consider one of these six ideas for ringing in 2016.

Create something together. Take a break from your usual movie night and tackle a more adventurous project as a family. If your children are young, collaborate on a giant butcher paper mural or use wooden blocks to recreate your home and street. Older kids may be ready to take on a 500-piece puzzle or an elaborate LEGO project. End the night with a sense of accomplishment and some great photos of your creation.

Reminisce about 2015. New Year’s Eve is a perfect time to cycle through the digital photos you’ve stored up over the past year. Talk about the memories associated with your pictures, then ask each family member to select their five or 10 favorites. You can spend New Year’s Day arranging the chosen pictures in a customized photo book to print and enjoy.

Create a family “bucket list” for 2016.

Maybe you want to take the kids ice-skating for the first time. Or, perhaps your child’s life won’t be complete unless your family attends the local Easter egg hunt in March. As a family, decide which events and activities are most important for the months ahead. Then immediately commit them to the family calendar to make sure they don’t get lost in the daily shuffle.

Dress for Dinner. Regardless of whether you’ll be leaving the house, encourage family members to don their snazziest attire to say goodbye to 2015. Even pizza eaten off paper plates feels special when you’re dressed to the nines! Pick up some

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New Year’s Eve party hats and other accessories to complete the look.

Stretch your celebration. It’s midnight somewhere! Check out timeanddate.com to see where. Per the site’s handy New Year Countdown, Hong Kong will celebrate the arrival of 2016 at 10 a.m., London at 6 p.m. and Buenos Aires at 9 p.m. Central time. If one round of “Happy New Year!” isn’t enough for your family, enjoy a quick celebration every hour on the hour. Or focus on celebrating with the countries you feel personally connected to due to your family history or past travel adventures.

Enjoy your own private “ball drop.”

Whether or not you plan to stay up to watch the big Times Square Ball Drop, kids will have a blast recreating this tradition in your home. A racquetball or tennis ball can be manually “dropped” down a length of string while family members count down from 60. As an added bonus, decorating the chosen ball with sequins, glitter, feathers or paint will make a great art project for your kids during the days leading up to New Year’s Eve. Choose one of these activities, add some tasty snacks and festive music, and enjoy a fun and memorable night with your family. Happy New Year! af Michelle Shirk is an attorney, freelance writer and mother of one. She writes about family, travel and seasonal events for parenting publications across the U.S.

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BY BETTY RICHARDSON

My father is in hospice care and isn’t expected to live much longer. It’s been emotionally hard on me, but I also have two children, ages 5 and 8. What suggestions do you have for helping them get through this loss?

You’re going through a difficult time. You’re dealing with your father’s illness and inevitable death. You want and need to help your children deal with their grandfather’s death in a healthy way. You may be helping your mother. And your husband wants attention, too. Before giving suggestions about the children, I’ll remind you to take care of yourself. Whatever energizes you—a warm shower or bath, a cup of tea, a nap, exercise or alone time with your husband—gives you strength to get through this time. Write a daily schedule so you can prioritize tasks and include some “me” time. Now, about the children: keep in mind that each child is affected by death depending on his or her developmental age, personality, sense of security and many other factors. Some kids will withdraw and get quiet, while others become irritable or hyperactive. Find out what’s going on inside. Encourage your children to talk about their thoughts and share their feelings and questions. Listen rather than tell. Answer questions honestly but simply, so your kids don’t feel confused or overwhelmed. It’s okay to say, “I don’t know.”

If you need to think about your answer or find yourself too emotional, you can say what my elderly aunt says: “I think better when I have ice cream. Let’s get some.” Or simply say: “Let me think about that and answer later.” Be sure to find that time later. Some young children have what is called “magical thinking,” as if they somehow caused the death. For example, if they had been good, the person wouldn’t have died. Reassure the child that we can’t cause others to die by what we say or think. What you say about life after death will depend on your own beliefs and culture. Some cultures believe in reincarnation, which can be comforting in that the person will return in another form. Some cultures believe in a God who will welcome the person into Heaven, which can also be comforting. The discomforting question is often, “How could God allow this person to die?” Conveying that death is part of the cycle of life is a challenge, as the questions that arise then include: “Will I die, or will mommy or daddy die?” Reassuring answers usually focus on the idea that you don’t expect to die for a long time.

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Use the word “death.” Most mental health professionals discourage saying the person is asleep and won’t wake up. Using the word “death” presents reality and avoids the risk of a child developing a fear of sleep. Explain what ceremonies and gatherings will occur. Invite attendance, but don’t force it. Being part of the activities and surrounded by people who love them is helpful. Have a plan to take the children outside, to another room or home if ceremonies run long. I applaud you for recognizing that losses affect children. One of the most important things you can do is to be emotionally and physically available to help them through this experience. Do avoid getting so lost in tasks or your own grief that your children feel abandoned. Feeling abandoned and lost as a child can follow a person into adulthood and is one of the issues that adults frequently deal with in therapy. Helping your children deal with death is important work. af Betty Richardson, Ph.D., R.N.C., L.P.C., L.M.F.T., is an Austin-based psychotherapist who specializes in dealing with the problems of children, adolescents and parents.

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BY BETTY RICHARDSON

Mi padre está bajo cuidados en un hospicio y no se espera que viva por mucho más tiempo. Ha sido emocionalmente duro para mí, pero tengo también dos niños de 5 y 8 años de edad. ¿Qué sugerencias tiene para ayudarles a superar esta pérdida? Leerlo en Español en austinfamily.com

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Sylvia Edwards

From Humble Start, Terra Toys Grows Its Family and Its Business In the late ‘70s, Romalda and Charles Edwards graduated from UT and looked around for a small business to run. They started making toys by hand with the aim of selling them to retailers. Charles carved the shapes from salvaged wood scraps, and Romalda gave them a decorative coating of paint. Terra Toys was born. When the selling to retailers angle failed to pan out, they took a risk and opened a brick-and-mortar location on S. Congress Ave., adding matryoshkas (nesting dolls) imported from Russia and Steiff plush animals made in Germany. A couple of moves later, they recently celebrated 35 years of business at their current location, 2438 W. Anderson Ln. Sylvia Edwards, the oldest of their three daughters, now handles much of the day-to-day operations, although Romalda and Charles still come to work in the store most days. Sylvia was born into the business—quite literally. She entered the world escorted by a midwife in the Edwards residence at the back of the S. Congress location. “When I was a little kid, I would pretend I worked here,” she says. “Ever since I can remember, I wanted to be a shop owner.” On a quiet October morning weeks before the holiday rush, Edwards sat down to answer some of our questions.

BY SHERIDA MOCK

Romalda and Charles Edwards

AF:

What are the pitfalls and

benefits of working with your family?

Family businesses are one of those things where when it works, it’s one of the most beautiful, functional, magical things you’ll ever see. But when it’s not working, it’s one of the saddest, draining things. I watch “Restaurant Impossible” a lot. There’s this really tough manager guy, and he comes into these failing restaurants and makes them over. In the beginning, you can see that family just struggling. No one is adopting the roles that need to be taken care of. Nepotism creeps in, where they have the position because they’re just part of the blood. There are really slippery slopes, and we’re hyper-aware of them. That’s why our dynamic is working so well. We’re very aware of who’s pulling what weight and what job duty needs to be done by what person. That’s a big key for any family-run business: have accountability and follow-up with everybody’s position.

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AF:

Small businesses are challenging. Why did this one make it?

My parents pioneered this amazing path for Terra Toys by staying consistent and true to their buying ideas: classic, fun and beautiful. That breeds this really dense, beautiful, well-curated collection. People come in now and ask, “Where are your other locations?” This is the only Terra Toys in the world, and we’ve been owner-operated by the same people since the beginning. I think that it’s important to let people know that this is one of the epitomes of a mom-and-pop, home grown, fromthe-ground-up story of a little business.

AF:

This is the only Terra Toys in the world... this is one of the epitomes of a mom-and-pop, home grown, from-the-ground-up story of a little business

What do you look for in the toys you sell?

I look for something that could have been a toy 50 years ago. We want to have something that in any time, from the 1800s up to now, would still be recognizable. What we mean by “fun” is that you know what to do with it when it’s in your hand. Everybody knows what to do with a bouncy ball or a spinning top. There’s an aesthetic, a beauty in a lot of the toys we look for. Customers will come in and say, “Show me your hottest, newest toy for a 2 year old.” Well, everything is new to a 2 year old. They’re experiencing the world for the first time. So, a spinning top is just as novel to a 2 year old as it would be a thousand years ago.

AF:

Beyond toy shopping, what

can parents and kids do at Terra Toys?

Our events are always free. There’s the Fairy Tea Party in June, where you get to dress up like a fairy and make a fairy out of felt and flower petals, yarn and beads. There’s Bubble Day, where you blow bubbles and learn about bubble science. There’s Origami Day, where you learn how to fold origami. We just opened The Wind-Up, which is our coffee shop. Everything is organic and fair trade—all the coffee, even down to the milk and sugar. We care about that a lot.

Through our business offerings, we’re trying to stress the ideas we care about: supporting our own infrastructure and earning a living wage. We care about locally-sourced items. We try to transmit that idea through our food and products.

AF:

What’s going on right now?

Every year, we get our staff to list their favorite toys. Those items become our Top 10 Toys. We display them and demonstrate them throughout Christmas time. With over 2,700 vendors and 65,000 items, the possibilities are endless. But the Top 10 Toys is a good starting point. We have free wrapping, all year round. During Christmas, we move our wrap desk over to KidOshoe.

AF:

Do you have other family

members that work in the store?

My sister Neeka helped found The Windup. She’s a barista and the curator for our gallery of art by local artists. My sister Natalie lives in Salt Lake City, but she makes art for the gallery, and she comes at Christmas time to help. af

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TOP TOYS Here’s a sneak peek at the Terra Toys staff’s annual Top Ten list of best toys. For the complete slate, visit terratoys.com/news. Flip Flop ABC Blocks by Mirari for ages 12 months and up

Sands Alive! by Play Visions

for ages 36 months and up

Chrono Bomb action game by Patch Products for ages 7 years and up December 2015 l austinfamily.com

BY BRENDA SCHOOLFIELD

WHEN YOUR TEEN IS MORE THAN JUST MOODY No doubt about it—teens are moody. In a blink of an eye, a teen’s mood can transform from happy and sunny to morose and miserable. Monitoring your teen’s mental health is just as important as paying attention to physical well-being. Periods of sadness that last longer than a couple of weeks can signal a mental health problem, such as depression. According to a recent government report, depression is a major concern for

children 12 to 17 years old. In the past year, more than one out of every 10 teens had a major episode of depression. Girls experienced three times more episodes of depression than boys.

Learn to Identify Depression How can you tell the difference between normal moodiness and depression? “Depression is more than feeling moody, sad or having a couple of ‘bad days’ in a row,” says Dr. Lindsay Evans, a psychologist in Austin who specializes in adolescent depression. “It involves more intense feelings of sadness, loss of interest, anger or hopelessness. These feelings last for weeks or longer and disrupt the teen’s life.” As a parent, you might notice: A lack of interest in things that the teen used to enjoy Less motivation at school or a decrease in grades Significant problems in relationships with friends or family

• • •

Use the sidebar “Checklist to Identify Depression” as a guide if you suspect your teen may be experiencing depression. According to Dr. Evans, depression is present if the period of sadness lasts longer than two weeks and is accompanied by at least four other changes in normal functioning.

Why It’s Important Dr. Evans stresses the importance of identifying depression. “Depression in childhood and adolescence occurs during a time of important developmental changes. Depression can disrupt those natural processes. If not treated, depression has a tendency to reoccur.”

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Teens who are depressed are at greater risk for: Poor performance and declining grades in school Difficulty in social situations Abusing alcohol or drugs Suicidal thoughts or actions Difficulties with depression or anxiety as adults

• • • • •

What Can Help Strategies. Many strategies that can help a teen who is “depressed” can also help someone who is just feeling down. These include: Physical exercise, such as walking or sports Community activities, such as attending a youth group at a church or synagogue or participating in a clean-up day at a local park Hobbies, such as crafts, reading or playing music Behavioral activation, a method that uses positive reinforcement to help teens re-engage in activities

• • • •

Professional Help. Dr. Evans says that if the feelings of sadness continue and don’t respond to the previous strategies, parents should consider help from a mental health professional. “Fortunately, research has shown that several treatments are effective for depression, such as psychotherapy—also called ‘talk therapy.’ For more severe depression, medication may also be helpful.”

What to Do If you think your teen may be experiencing depression, do the following: Be patient and try to keep communications open.

•

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See if you can find out if the • symptoms are a result of a specific

• • •

•

incident, such as a relationship breakup or loss of a friend. Schedule an appointment with a mental health professional, such as a psychologist. If that’s not possible, discuss the problem with your pediatrician or family physician. Reduce stress in your household, if possible. You may need to reduce the number of activities or eliminate arguing and fighting. Work on building positive and relaxing activities into your family routine. Don’t demand that someone who is experiencing depression “just snap out of it.” Dr. Evans says, “Depression is more than just a passing bad mood. Saying ‘just get over it’ sends the message that your teen’s struggles are trivial or a sign of weakness.” Go to the National Alliance on Mental Illness website at nami.org for more information.

According to a recent government report, depression is a major concern for children 12 to 17 years old. In the past year, more than one out of every 10 teens had a major episode of depression. Girls experienced three times more episodes of depression than boys.

Brenda Schoolfield is a freelance medical writer in Austin.

CHECKLIST TO IDENTIFY DEPRESSION At least one of the following for 2 weeks or longer:

o Feels sad and down most of the day, nearly every day

o Is not interested in doing anything or has much less interest in things that used to be enjoyable

AND at least 4 other changes in normal functioning, such as:

o Can’t sleep or sleeps too much o Doesn’t want to eat or eats o o o o o

too much Doesn’t have much energy Has trouble concentrating or making decisions nearly every day Feels very restless or very lethargic (“slowed down”) Feels worthless, very guilty, or has other signs of poor self image Has frequent thoughts about death or dying

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YOUR GUIDE TO HOLIDAY TIPS AND GIFTS

BY PAM MOLNAR

The holidays are a perfect time to thank the people who provide great services all year long. An envelope of cash is nice, but a gift shows you took extra time to appreciate someone’s hard work. If you are stuck on ideas for the babysitter or cleaning crew, check out these one-size-fits-all gifts.

MOVIES

GOOD FOOD

AUTOMOTIVES

A GIFT THAT KEEPS ON GIVING

People still appreciate the opportunity to sit down to a movie and relax for a while. Consider a movie theatre or Fandango.com gift card. Or purchase a gift card from Redbox.com and wrap it up with microwave popcorn and M&M’s. This is the perfect gift for the babysitter with her first car, a male teacher or coach. Consider a gift card for gas, an oil change or car wash. Other ideas are air fresheners, ice scrapers or an emergency road kit.

GOOD HEALTH

Create a basket with hand sanitizer, individual tissue packs, lip balm, hand cream and cough drops. Not sure if they like cherry or honey flavor? Consider adding a drug store gift card. Your babysitter might enjoy a gift card to buy cosmetics.

Choosing a restaurant gift card can be tricky. Someone may have food preferences or allergies you don’t know about. Multi-restaurant gift cards such as those from Restaurant.com let the recipient choose. A subscription can be enjoyed long after the holidays are over. Let the receiver choose from over 3,000 titles with a gift card to Magazines.com.

A GIFT THAT FREEZES TIME

Many local, professional photographers offer mini photo sessions that include five or six digital images. These are perfect for headshots, senior portraits, an updated family picture or just the opportunity to be silly. If that is a little out of your budget, a mall studio like The Picture People might be a better fit.

A GIFT OF CHOICE

Sometimes the best gift is one you can pick out for yourself. Give an Amazon or eBay gift card, and you open the door to countless options. If online shopping is too difficult for older recipients, a Visa gift card can be used at local stores, restaurants or for most services.

IT’S A WRAP

The coolest gift I received from a customer was a box of wrapping paper. It is something we all need during the holiday season. This is an inexpensive gift if purchased at the end of the season or at the dollar store. Create a gift of matching paper or gift bags, tissue, gift tags, ribbons and bows. Don’t forget to include tape and scissors. af Pam Molnar is a freelance writer and mother of three.

HOLIDAY TIPPING Money is the most popular holiday tip, but how much should you give? It’s customary to make it the cost of the service. For example, if your normal haircut is $40, then the holiday tip should be another $40. For occasional service, like a holiday cleaning, a $10 to $15 tip is appreciated. Tips for more regular service, such as a math tutor, can be based on how often you use them and how much help they provide—$25-$50 is appropriate. Many companies limit what their employees can accept, so check ahead of time. For example, the U.S. Postal Service cannot accept gifts worth more than $20, and alcohol is prohibited.

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H O L I D AY F A M I EVENTS

Elgin by the Tracks

A Christmas Carol

Historic Downtown Elgin www.ElginTX.com 512-281-5724

Dec. 1- 26, 6 - 9 p.m.; Fri. and Sat. 6 - 10 p.m. Family vehicles $15. With 2 million lights, the 1.5-mile path is the must-see event of the season.

Holiday Extravaganza by TexARTS Youth

Old Settlers Park, Round Rock 3300 E. Palm Valley Blvd. www.RoundRockTexas.gov

Dec. 12 - 13, 2 and 6 p.m., $15 Irresistible Rockette-style numbers, your favorite holiday hits and a special appearance by Santa Claus!

Roller Skating

Dec. 1 - 27, 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. From $25. Check website for availability. The most popular show in ZACH’s history returns to rock in the holidays! Zach Scott Theatre Topfer Stage 202 S. Lamar, Austin www.ZachScottTheatre.org 512-476-0541x1

Blue Man Group Dec. 25, 12, 4 and 8 p.m. Dec 26 1 and 5 p.m. Tickets from $33 Experience the phenomenon The Long Center 701 W. Riverside Dr. www.thelongcenter.org 800-735-2989

Christmas Music Concert Dec. 16, 6:15 p.m. Solos and ensembles, vocals and instrumentals in a candlelight setting.

Kam & James Morris Theatre 2300 Lohmans Spur #160, Lakeway Tex-ARTS.org 512-861-0069

Ice Skating Public skating sessions all month. Check website for times. Experience real Christmas magic. $10 for skate rental and admission. Chaparral Ice Center 2525 W. Anderson Ln. www.ChaparralIce.com 512-252-8500

Museum Store Holiday Sale

Christmas Eve Service

Bullock Museum 1800 N. Congress Ave. www.TheStoryofTexas.com 512-936-8746

First Baptist Church of Austin 901 Trinity St. www.FBCAustin.org 512-476-2626

Disney Live! Three Classic Fairy Tales Dec. 19, 1 and 4 p.m. Bring the whole family to enjoy the magic of Disney. Frank Erwin Center 1701 Red River St. www.UTErwinCenter.com 512-477-6060

Dec. 1 - 6 Receive 20 percent off or more on unique, Texas-themed merchandise.

The Nutcracker by TexARTS Youth Dec. 5 - 6, 2 and 6 p.m., $15 Be swept off your feet as over 30 young dancers bring this glorious holiday favorite to life. St. Michael’s Academy, Delgado Theatre 3000 Barton Creek Blvd. Tex-ARTS.org 512-861-0069

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Rock’n Lights Holiday Lights Tour and Christmas Towne

Dec. 21 - 23 and 26 - 31 Check website for hours and lesson information. An impressive light show, fog machine and state of the art sound system. Playland Skate Center 8822 McCann Dr. www.PlaylandSkateCenter.net 512-452-1901

Winnie the Pooh Dec. 1 - 12, 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. From $15. Check website for availability. Full of creative story telling, clowning and physical comedy.

First Baptist Church of Austin 901 Trinity St. www.FBCAustin.org 512-476-2626

Dec. 24, 5:30 p.m. Family-friendly worship service. Cookie exchange, Christmas carols, children’s sermon and more!

Dec. 5 Pictures with Santa, lighted parade, arts and crafts, music and more.

Zach Scott Theatre Kleberg Stage 202 S. Lamar, Austin www.ZachScottTheatre.org 512-476-0541x1

CAMPS Acting Camp Dec. 21 - 24 and 28 - 31 Ages 5 - 11 Austin themes are Annie, Dec. 21 – 24 and Little Mermaid, Dec. 28 – 31. Cedar Park themes are Tangled, Dec. 21 – 24 and Willie Wonka, Dec. 28 – 31. Pflugerville themes are Wizard of Oz, Dec. 21 – 24 and Lion King, Dec. 28 – 31.

Acting Camp Dec. 28 - 31 Ages 5 – 14, full day or half day Journey to Oz! Learn songs, dances and scenes from The Wizard of Oz, Wicked, The Wiz and Oz the Great and Powerful. Click your heels together three times and get ready for an adventure. TexARTS 2300 Lohman’s Spur #160, Lakeway www.tex-arts.org 512-852-9079

Acting Camp Dec. 21 - 23 and 28 - 30 Ages K - 5th grade Hogwarts theme on Dec. 21 – 23 and Aladdin theme on Dec. 28 – 30. ZACH Theatre 202 S. Lamar Blvd. www.ZachTheatre.org/education/ camps 512-476-0594

The Big Chill Winter Camp Dec. 21 - 23 Come for one day or all three. Dec. 21 is Glacier Games, with winter games and sports. Dec. 22 is Mt. Venture, with tubing and sledding. Dec. 23 is the Snow Ball, with a DJ party, events and festivities. Kidventure 4300 Westbank Dr., Austin 903 Highlands Blvd., Lakeway www.kidventure.com 512-263-4645

Boost Writing Camp Dec. 7 -12 and 14 -17 Ages 4 - 6 Focus on building foundations to better handwriting. Recommended for children who are not currently in OT. Pre-screening required. Extra Credit! 8820 Business Park Dr. #300 www.ExtraCreditAustin.com 512-689-0236

kidsActing www.kidsactingstudio.com info@KidsActingStudio.com 512-836-5437

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LY F U N G U I D E Brainery Camp

Horse Riding Camp

Magic Camp

Tennis Camp

Open until noon Dec. 24 Closed Dec. 25 and Jan. 1 Travel back in time to an era of knights and castles. Make scrolls and catapults, design castles and coats of arms and cook authentic period recipes.

Dec. 28 - Jan. 1 Ages 7 - 16 Enjoy the winter with our great horses. Ride twice a day to keep warm. Enjoy movies inside and hot chocolate on extra cold days.

Dec. 28 - Jan. 1 Ages: 5 - 12 Age- and developmentally-appropriate classes in magic, juggling and puppetry, plus a show by a professional performer.

Dec. 18 - 23, 26 - 31 Ages: 8 - 18

Bear Creek Stables 13017 Bob Johnson Ln., Manchaca www.BearCreekStables.com 512-282-0250

Fantastic Magic Camp 7500 Woodrow Ave. www.MagicCamp.com 512-850-4677

Stepping Stone School 19 locations in Central Texas www.SteppingStoneSchool.com 512-459-0258

Coding Camp Dec. 21 - 23 and 28 - 30 Ages 7+ Computer programming day camps, including Minecraft Mods in Java programming, Scratch programming, game design, robotics, circuits and stop motion animation. Fun 2 Learn Code 301-A Hesters Crossing Rd. #120, Round Rock www.Fun2LearnCode.com 512-900-8380

Cool Kids & Super Friends Camp Dec. 7 -12 and 14 -17 Ages 8 - 12 Focus on building self-regulation, awareness, esteem and socialization strategies. Pre-screening required. Extra Credit! 8820 Business Park Dr. #300 www.ExtraCreditAustin.com 512-689-0236

Dance Camp Dec. 21 - 22, 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Ages 3 - 10 One Day - $45; Two Days - $80. Promo code for both days discount: TWOdays. Camps include nutcracker storytime, ballet, jazz, hip hop, creative movement, gymnastics and winter crafts.

Horse Riding Camp Dec. 28 - 31 Ages 6 - 15 Children who attend our week-long camps get the true feeling of horse ownership. Esoteric Farm 13404 Cameron Rd., Manor www.EsotericFarm.com 512-272-4301

Horse Riding Camp Dec. 26 - Jan. 1 For mothers and daughters. Enjoy a positive bonding experience with a variety of activities. Sugar and Spice Ranch 884 Rikki Dr., Bandera www.texashorsecamps.com 830-460-8487

LEGO Workshops and Creative Playtime Dec 19 - 23, Dec 28 - 31 Ages 5+ (or younger with adult) Build LEGO brick models that move. Drop and shop, or stay and build with your child during creative playtime. Creative Brick Builders Studio 220 Sundance Pkwy. # 300, Round Rock www.creativebrickbuilders.com 512-388-9003

Dance Discovery Allandale 2110 White Horse Tr. www.DanceDiscovery.com 512-419-7611

Pick us up at HEB, Whole Foods and Central Market

Newcombe Tennis Ranch 325 Mission Valley Rd., New Braunfels www.texasadventurecamp.net 800-444-6204

Winter Break Camp Dec. 28 - 31 Ages 4 - 14 Since 1971, our exceptional, friendly and caring staff have fulfilled Doublecreek’s mission that “every camper leaves at the end of the day knowing someone believes in them.”

Robotics and Coding Camps Sylvan Learning Center www.sylvanlearning.com 1-800-EDUCATE Sylvan of Cedar Park 512-336-1818 northaustin@austinsylvan.com Sylvan of West Austin 512-323-6448 westaustin@austinsylvan.com Sylvan of South Austin 512-441-3898 southaustin@austinsylvan.com Sylvan of Round Rock 512-310-7890 roundrock@austinsylvan.com Sylvan of Georgetown 512-869-7323 georgetown@austinsylvan.com

Camp Doublecreek 800 Double Creek Dr., Round Rock www.CampDoubleCreek.com 512-255-3661

Winter Break Camp Open during public school holidays except Nov. 26 - 27, Dec. 24 - 25 and Jan. 1. Ages 5 - 13 Throughout the holiday season, we provide planned field trips for our school age children.

Sylvan of Hays County 512-262-7035 hayscounty@austinsylvan.com

Country Home Learning Centers 6900 Escarpment Blvd., 512-288-8220 13120 US Hwy. 183 N., 512-331-1441 www.CountryHomeLearningCenter.com

Snow Ski Camp

Winter Break Camp

Dec. 28 - Jan. 3 All ages Join us on our Christmas ski camp to Crested Butte, CO and enjoy an unforgettable week of fun, food, and friends.

Dec. 21 - 23 and 28 - 30 Ages 5 - 12 Take flight with us! Look to the Y for an adventure in the wild blue yonder. Swimming and a weekly field trip complete this air-themed journey.

Texas Adventure Camp 325 Mission Valley Rd., New Braunfels www.texasadventurecamp.net 800-444-6204

YMCA of Austin Spicewood Elementary (northwest), East Communities YMCA, South Austin YMCA and Hays County YMCA www.AustinYMCA.org/programs/ holiday-camp 512-236-9622

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WINNERS

Students in fourth and fifth grades were invited to write 75 to 300-word essays on this topic

“What is your Favorite Way to Learn?” 5TH GRADE WINNER

5TH GRADE RUNNER-UP

Sofia Kathy Caraway Elementary

Claire Kathy Caraway Elementary

My favorite way to learn is visually. Here are some reasons why I like visual learning the best.

My favorite way to learn is visually. I enjoy learning through seeing pictures, reading words and, by way of sight, memorizing exact movements.

One of the reasons why seeing is my favorite way to learn is because I like to read information rather than hear information. For example, when Mrs. Johnson lectured in science class, I left without learning much about chemistry. But when Ms. Smith let us read information in math, I learned a lot from that class. I also pick up a lot of facts when I read. I read a book and found out that marigold, yarrow, catnip, thyme and other types of plants are healing herbs, and I learned all of the main Egyptian and Greek gods and goddesses, and some minor ones.

One way I love to learn is by reading. I’ve learned tons of facts through books. Once, I learned that Mr. Rogers, the television star, was an ordained minister. I’ve also learned that everyone is born without kneecaps, children each laugh approximately 400 times a day, adults laugh about 15 times, and in one day, your blood will travel nearly 12,000 miles! Because reading is a way I learn best, I’ve retained these facts in memory for quite a while.

I also like visual learning because I like to take notes. For example, I wrote notes in language arts, and I remembered all of the information I needed. But when I didn’t take notes for the social studies test, I didn’t do as well as I could have. Taking notes also helps me because when I write a word down, I can tell if it is spelled correctly. Once when I spelled a word incorrectly on a spelling test, I recognized it from my notes and corrected it. It is also easier for me to remember things when I see them, so I can picture them in my head instead of hearing things out loud. During soccer, Coach demonstrated what to do, and I understood from watching, but at school, my teacher explained what to do and I didn’t understand. That is why my favorite learning style is visual learning. Now that I know I’m good at visual learning and enjoy it, I will try to read, take notes and request demonstrations in class.

4TH GRADE WINNER

One talent I’ve developed through visual memorization is playing the piano by ear, though it’s more by sight. I’ve taught myself to play similar versions of original compositions such as Charles Schulz’s “Linus and Lucy” and Jim Brickman’s “Simple Gifts.” Although I can memorize things that I’m interested in, if I were to be given a lengthy lecture to memorize based off of a football game, the information given would go in one ear and out the other because I’m not interested in the outcome or the sport in general. I love to learn by taking and viewing pictures. Photos can show experiences, world wonders, inspirations or even family. A picture can be worth a thousand words, so I feel photographs are quite prudent in learning, especially for visual learners. For example, if a friend were to describe the sight of Yellowstone National Park, I might not be able to visualize the view as well as if I were to be there or see it in a picture. In conclusion, learning can be amazingly fun, but only for those who know how best to do it while relevantly entertaining themselves.

4TH GRADE RUNNER-UP

Ryan Serene Hills Elementary

Haley Cactus Ranch Elementary

I am a Hands-On Learner. Yep, I’m THAT kid! The one that takes stuff apart, just to see what’s inside and how it works. I believe that I am a Hands-On Learner. Since I was a little kid, I have been studying lots of everyday tools and observing how they function. For example, just the other day, I was confused at how our door chime works. I realized that there was a button that the door holds down when it is closed. When you open the door, it releases the button, which creates the chime. Also, we have an antique Mercedes, and the heat was on. I couldn’t figure out how to turn it off, so I studied it, and I twisted stuff around in all different directions. I checked my work in the owner’s manual, and sure enough, I was right! We also have an unusual pen, and I took it apart. There was a light inside, so I tried to take it apart even more, and there was a button that turned on the light. I might do a lot of interesting and different things that help me learn. But, it makes me happy to realize that I just figured something out on my own. That is what makes me feel smart.

I love to learn! Every subject is different, so I have included a few ways that I enjoy learning in each one. My favorite way to learn in math is to pick my favorite color dry erase marker and write on my desk! It is fun, because when I get an answer right, my teacher puts a check on my desk with her dry erase marker. It is exciting and different to do my work on my desk top. In social studies, my favorite way to learn is to move all of our desks out of the way and make a pretend bus using our chairs. Our teacher puts our lesson on the screen, so it looks like we are on a field trip to the place we are learning about. After that, we highlight the places we learned about on our paper. One example is that we learned about Texas regions on the screen and then highlighted the places we learned about on our papers. I really love learning this way, because it is more interesting than sitting at my desk and listening to my teacher. My favorite way to learn in writing is “sacred writing.” I write about any topic I wish to for five minutes. It is so fun, because I love to choose my own topics. I love reading books. My favorite author this year is Rick Riordan. I also like to hear my teacher read aloud. This year, she read us the book “Holes” as we read along, and now she is reading us “The Night Gardener.” I love hearing her read, because the tone of her voice perfectly expresses the way the character is feeling. All of these methods make learning fun!

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B Y J E N N I F E R VA N B U R E N

: R I A F N U F Whether you’re just looking for a weekend learning activity or searching for a school science fair project, at home science can be meaningful and valuable to any child. Kids learn best through observing and interacting with our world—that is science! You could buy an expensive, ready-made science project kit, but it’s easy to make your own. Projects don’t have to be complicated or expensive. There are lots of projects you can complete using dollar store items. Start in the toy aisle. Inexpensive toys carry a lot of potential and add an element of fun.

Getting Started

Take a close look at the directions sent home from school. There may be requirements that are not obvious to you. If your child may compete in the Austin Regional Science Festival (Feb. 17-20, 2016), be sure to check out the requirements at sciencefest.org.

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Science Projects Even a Parent Can Handle Experiments vs. Demonstrations

Be aware: many science projects you find with a Google search are actually demonstrations, not experiments. There is a difference. Solar system models and baking soda and vinegar volcanoes are not experiments; they are demonstrations. They show a scientific principal, but they do not use the scientific method in order to answer a question with controlled experimentation. The first step is to come up with the right kind of question—one that can be answered through experimentation. Having a race with different toy cars is a demonstration. How can your child turn it into an experiment? Simple. Ask the question, “Does the angle of a ramp determine the distance three toy cars travel?” The answer may seem obvious, but you might find surprises. For example, if the angle is too great, does the car still go as far? How big does the angle have to be for the car to move at all?

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Try, Try Again

It may take several attempts to get a project to work. Before your child starts collecting data, be sure that his setup is functional. Only then can he start taking measurements for the actual experiment. It is important to perform many repeat trials so he can find the average measurement.

Balloon Science! You may know that gases contract when they get cold. But how much? Try this simple balloon experiment to find out.

First, blow up a balloon. Measure its circumference by wrapping a string around the balloon at its widest point and then measuring the string with a ruler. Now put it in the fridge and wait an hour. Quickly measure the circumference again.

Now try the freezer. Be a true scientist and note the temperature of the room, the fridge and the freezer. Repeat the trial with three different balloons. Extend the experiment and fill balloons with water or helium. Does a liquid contract like a gas? You might be surprised at the results.

Make it Fair

It’s important to control all possible variables. Have your child keep everything the same except the one thing he is comparing. For example, he might want to see how temperature affects viscosity by dropping pennies into syrups of different temperatures and timing how long it takes the pennies to hit the bottom. Be sure to use the same amount of syrup for each trial. Drop each penny from the same height and position. Repeat the trials so your child can get valid results.

Research

Discovering how things work is an important component of the science project, and science fair judges want to see that your child knows why things worked as they did. If your child is having trouble determining the subject to research, ask the teacher for some search terms. For example, if the aim is to measure the height that different sized bouncy balls bounce, your child might look up elasticity or potential energy. To determine if freezing a cracked glow stick makes it last longer, your child can read about chemical reactions.

The Display

Once the data is collected and analyzed and conclusions are written, it’s time to put your child’s work on display. Photos are an effective way to document the procedure your child followed and demonstrate the findings. They also make for an interesting addition to the display. Be sure to find out how your child’s display will be graded, because the teacher may have specific requirements. Science projects can be daunting, but with imagination and a positive attitude, you can help your child have a lot of fun while learning real science. af Jennifer VanBuren of Georgetown is an educator and mother of three. Pick us up at HEB, Whole Foods and Central Market

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B Y J E N N I F E R VA N B U R E N

: A D I T R E V I D FERIA Ya sea que esté buscando una actividad de aprendizaje del fin de semana o esté buscando un proyecto de ciencias para la feria escolar, en casa la ciencia peude ser significativa y valiosa para cualquier niño. ¡Los niños aprenden mejor observando e interactuando con nuestro mundo—eso es ciencia! Usted podría comprar un equipo caro de un proyecto de ciencias, prefabricado, pero es fácil de hacer su propio. Los proyectos no tienen que ser complicados o costosos. Hay muchos proyectos que se pueden completar utilizando artículos de la tienda del dólar. Comience en el pasillo de los juguetes. Los juguetes baratos llevan mucho potencial y añaden un elemento de diversión.

El comienzo

Vea con atención las instrucciones enviadas a casa de la escuela. Puede haber requisitos que no son evidentes para usted. Si su hijo/a puede competir en el Festival de Ciencia Regional de Austin (17-20 de febrero, 2016), asegúrese de revisar sus requisitos en sciencefest.org.

Experimentos vs. Demostraciones

Tenga en cuenta: muchos proyectos de ciencia que encuentra

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Proyectos de Ciencias Que Incluso un Padre Puede Manejar

con una búsqueda en Google son realmente demostraciones, no experimentos. Hay una diferencia. Los modelos del sistema solar y volcanes con bicarbonato de sodio y vinagre no son experimentos; son demostraciones. Muestran un principio científico, pero no usan el método científico para responder una pregunta con experimentación controlada. El primer paso es salir con la pregunta correcta—una que pueda ser contestada a través de la experimentación. Tener una carrera con diferentes coches de juguete es una demostración. ¿Cómo puede su hijo/a convertirlo en un experimento? Sencillo. Haga la pregunta, “¿El ángulo de una rampa determina la distancia que recorren tres coches de juguete?” La respuesta puede parecer obvia, pero es posible encontrar sorpresas. Por ejemplo, si el ángulo es demasiado grande, ¿todavía avanza lejos el coche? ¿Qué tamaño tiene que ser el ángulo para que el coche se mueva en absoluto?

Intente, intente de nuevo

Puede tomar varios intentos para conseguir que un proyecto trabaje. Antes de que su hijo/a comience a recopilar datos, asegúrese de que su configuración es funcional. Sólo entonces

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¡Ciencia del globo!

él puede comenzar a tomar medidas para el experimento real. Es importante realizar muchas pruebas de repetición para que él pueda encontrar la medición promedio.

Hágalo justo

Es importante controlar todas las variables posibles. Pídale a su hijo/a que mantenga todo igual excepto la cosa que está comparando. Por ejemplo, podría estar interesado en ver cómo la temperatura afecta la viscosidad al dejar caer una moneda de un centavo en jarabes de diferentes temperaturas y tomar el tiempo que tarda el centavo para llegar al fondo. Asegúrese de utilizar la misma cantidad de jarabe para cada ensayo. Deje caer cada centavo de la misma altura y posición. Repita los ensayos para que su hijo/a pueda obtener resultados válidos.

Usted puede saber que los gases se contraen cuando se enfrían. Pero ¿cuánto? Intente este experimento para averiguarlo.

En primer lugar, infle un globo. Mida su circunferencia con una cuerda alrededor del globo en su punto más ancho y luego mida la cuerda con una regla. Ahora meta el globo en el refrigerador y espere una hora. Mida rápidamente la circunferencia una vez más.

Ahora intente el congelador. Sea un verdadero científico y anote la temperatura de la habitación, el refrigerador y el congelador. Repita el ensayo con tres globos diferentes. Prolongue el experimento y llene los globos con agua o helio. ¿Se contrae un líquido como un gas? Podría sorprenderse con los resultados.

Investigación

Descubrir cómo funcionan las cosas es un componente importante del proyecto de ciencia, y los jueces de la Feria de Ciencia quieren ver que su hijo/a sabe por qué las cosas funcionaron como lo hicieron. Si su hijo/a está teniendo problemas para determinar el objeto de la investigación, pídale al maestro/a por algunos términos de búsqueda. Por ejemplo, si el objetivo es medir la altura que diferentes tamaños de pelotas rebotan, su hijo/a podría buscar elasticidad o energía potencial en la computadora. Para determinar si congelando un palillo de resplandor hace que dure más tiempo, su hijo/a puede leer acerca de las reacciones químicas.

Exhibición

Una vez que los datos son recopilados y analizados y las conclusiones se han escrito, es el momento de poner el trabajo de su hijo/a en exhibición. Las fotos son una forma efectiva de documentar el procedimiento que su hijo/a siguió y demostró los resultados. También hacen una adición interesante a la exhibición. Asegúrese de averiguar cómo se calificará la exhibición de su hijo/a, porque el maestro puede tener requisitos específicos. Los proyectos de ciencia pueden ser intimidantes, pero con imaginación y una actitud positiva, puede ayudar a que su hijo/a se divierta mucho mientras aprende la ciencia verdadera. af Jennifer VanBuren es una educadora, doula, y madre de tres hijos que vive en Georgetown.

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BY RICHARD SINGLETON

GIFT IDEAS FOR THE GAMER IN YOUR LIFE

December 2015 l austinfamily.com

Typically, I don’t cry over my Christmas presents. I did twice (that I’m willing to share about). The first was the year that I got Lincoln Logs and didn’t want them. That was back when parents still thought spankings were best practice. The second was the year I wanted an Atari 2600 and refused to take no for an answer. That was back when children still got no for an answer.

A few hours after the glorious unwrapping of my Atari, I realized that the scorched earth policy I had embarked upon had a gaping flaw…I got my game system, but I didn’t get the cool games that I had dreamed of playing. It was a steady, bland diet of Combat and Pac-Man for me. I quickly discovered that it was impossible to bomb and chomp my way into serenity.

Now that I’m an old parent myself, I can see why I got the Lincoln Logs and why they were so much more important than winning the war for the Atari.

Fast forward three decades. My son loves gaming and unlike me, he’s actually good at it. And, why wouldn’t he love it? The games are amazing (at least the thunderous sounds of hundreds of watts pouring through the subwoofer and down our halls sure sound like fun)!

Looking back, I’m so embarrassed at my massive meltdowns—the begging, the cajoling, the crocodile tears. It was quite the drama. I wore down my mom, and she came through with my dream game system. The dream quickly faded.

But even the most ear-piercing fun is sure to become boring after a while. New games will be on his latest list of must-haves.

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As the holidays approach, what games might you consider for your gift-giving extravaganzas? As with movies and music, age appropriateness is always key. Hopefully, your 2nd grader isn’t hanging out with a tub of popcorn, a large fizzy drink and the latest rated R movie. And, hopefully, he or she isn’t playing rated M games either. Yes, “no” is still sometimes a good word to use with children. But, you’re looking to say “yes,” and the following games might be just right for your kiddos this year.

Lego Dimensions is the ultimate in

Toys-to-Life game play. The price might be a little unreal for some, but being able to move from real-life play to the screen and back is an experience that almost any Lego lover will be excited to embrace—just don’t step on a rogue brick!

Skylanders SuperChargers is the

game for action-packed race machines with a mission. With creative

“

Age appropriateness is

always key. Hopefully, your 2nd grader isn’t playing rated M games.

”

and dynamic vehicles and an exciting challenge, kids of all ages can join in the mission to stop Kaos and protect the Skylands.

Disney Infinity 3.0 is the Star Wars

game for all ages. Another compelling Toys-to-Life game, there couldn’t be a better time to catch the wave of excitement about the Star Wars franchise. And if the teen in your house is too cool for school with Disney Infinity 3.0,

Star Wars Battlefront might be

just his or her thing. On the heels of what is likely to be the biggest movie opening ever, you can’t go wrong with this EA interpretation of the classic interstellar battle.

Pick us up at HEB, Whole Foods and Central Market

Finally, the Forza series has a new offering: Forza Motorsport 6. Unlike other series, Forza is easily accessible for newcomers. This latest iteration adds in some gaping missing elements, providing night racing, weather elements and destructible environments—a dimensionality that will make racing more real than ever. While you’re browsing through GameStop, Amazon or another purveyor of digital dream making, you’ll find that there are a lot of little stocking stuffers along the way to your big video game purchases. There’s Star Wars and Avengers collectibles, Batman socks and don’t miss out on the Iron Man action figure—he’ll give any Elf on the Shelf a run for his money. Beyond the stocking-stuffers, the kids will want to dive into their digital world, and you’ll be happy to know that there’s a bevy of options for them to pursue— hopefully, with only tears of joy! af Richard Singleton, MACE, MAMFC, LPC, is the executive director at STARRY in Round Rock.

December 2015 l austinfamily.com

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10 THINGS

For Wrapping Gifts! Get creative and use these fabulous ways to wrap all the gifts on your list. paper u Kraft and velvet ribbon

v Newspaper and satin

PIENSA POSITIVO

by Leslie Montoya, host of Despierta Austin

Creatividad

Alguna vez te has preguntado de qué manera podrías usar tu creatividad e imaginación para ser feliz ahora de adulto que como cuando fuiste niño? Es la creatividad la que nos ayuda a reinventarnos y buscar nuevas maneras de ser mejor en lo que anhelamos. El científico Einstein decía que la verdadera inteligencia no es aquel con mayor conocimiento sino el que tiene imaginación para aplicar el conocimiento. Usa tu creatividad para cambiar todo patrón de conducta, ideas o conceptos negativos sobre ti mismo. Si no te gusta algo de quien eres usa tu creatividad y cambialo. Piensa Positivo.

Creativity

Ever wonder how you can use the same creativity and imagination you used as a child to be happy as an adult? Creativity allows us to reinvent ourselves and search for new ways to become who we aspire to be. Einstein said that real intelligence is not knowledge but using imagination to apply that knowledge. Use your creativity to change any negative behaviors, ideas or beliefs about yourself. If you are not happily fulfilled with the way you are, use your creativity and change it. Think Positive!

ribbon

map w Old and grosgrain ribbon

box and x Hat ornaments tissue y Colored and clear cellophane

baker’s z White box and washi tape

bag and { Wine holly Tote bag and | mistletoe paper } Origami and twine doodles ~ Kids’ on butcher paper and yarn

Pick us up at HEB, Whole Foods and Central Market

December 2015 l austinfamily.com

December 2015 C O M P I L ED BY BETTY KEMP ER

++ Denotes event occurs on multiple dates

Museum Exhibits page 36 Family Events page 36 Parenting Events page 43

calendar

Museum Exhibits MODEL TRAIN SHOW Dec. 2 - Dec 31. ArtSpace, 231 E. Main St., Round Rock. FREE. roundrockarts.org or 512-218-7099. GRIDIRON GLORY Through Jan. 3. Bullock Museum, 1800 Congress Ave. $8 youth; $12 adult. thestoryoftexas.com or 512-936-8746. LADIES AND GENTLEMEN…THE BEATLES! Through Jan. 10. LBJ Presidential Library, 2313 Red River St. $8. lbjlibrary.org or 512-721-0200. MAKING THE GRADE: AUSTIN’S FIRST PUBLIC SCHOOLS Through Mar. 27. Austin History Center, 810 Guadalupe St. FREE. austintexas.gov or 512-974-7480. SHAKESPEARE IN PRINT AND PERFORMANCE Dec. 21 - May 29. Harry Ransom Center, 300 W. 21st St. FREE. hrc.utexas.edu or 512-471-8944.

A CHRISTMAS CAROL ++ 7:30 p.m. Zach Theatre, 1510 Toomey Rd. zachtheatre.org or 512-476-0541. CONTINUING: Zilker Holiday Tree see Tuesday 1; Rock’N Lights see Tuesday 1; VSA Texas Holiday Arts and Gift Show see Tuesday 1

Thursday 3 VISIT WITH SANTA 9 to 11 a.m. Kid Spa Avery Ranch, 10526 W. Parmer Ln. FREE. kidspaaustin.com. STARRY NIGHTS 5:30 to 7 p.m. Girlstart, 1400 Anderson Sq. FREE. girlstart.org. CONTINUING: Zilker Holiday Tree see Tuesday 1; Rock’N Lights see Tuesday 1; VSA Texas Holiday Arts and Gift Show see Tuesday 1; A Christmas Carol see Wednesday 2; Sights & Sounds of Christmas see Wednesday 2.

Friday 4

Tuesday 1

VISIT WITH SANTA 9 to 11 a.m. Kid Spa Austin, 5700 W. Slaughter Ln. FREE. kidspaaustin.com.

ZILKER HOLIDAY TREE ++ 5:30 p.m. to midnight. 2100 Barton Springs Rd., FREE. austintexas.gov.

35TH ANNUAL CHRISTMAS STROLL ++ 5 to 9 p.m. Downtown Georgetown. FREE. georgetownsquare.com.

MUELLER TOWER LIGHTING 6 to 8 p.m. Berkman Dr. at Antone St. FREE.

FIRST FRIDAY AT WILLIAMSON MUSEUM 6 to 8 p.m. Williamson Museum, 716 S. Austin Ave., Georgetown. FREE. williamsonmuseum.org or 512-943-1670.

VSA TEXAS HOLIDAY ARTS AND GIFT SHOW ++ 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. AGE Bldg., 3710 Cedar St. FREE. vsatx.org or 512-454-9912.

Wednesday 2 SIGHTS & SOUNDS OF CHRISTMAS ++ 5 to 11 p.m. Plaza Park, 401 E. Hopkins St., San Marcos. $5; kids 12 and under FREE. Sights-n-sounds.org or 512-710-9627.

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CHRISTMAS FAMILY NIGHT 6:30 p.m. Old Settlers Association, 3300 E. Palm Valley Blvd., Round Rock. FREE. roundrocktexas.gov. TREE LIGHTING AND SANTA’S WORKSHOP 6:30 to 9 p.m. Heritage Oak Park, 875 Quest Pkwy., Cedar Park. FREE. cedarparktexas.gov. EBENEZER’S JOURNEY ++ 7 to 10 p.m. Pioneer Farms, 10621 Pioneer Farms Dr. $12 per person. pioneerfarms.org or 512-837-1215. CONTINUING: Zilker Holiday Tree see Tuesday 1; Rock’N Lights see Tuesday 1; VSA Texas Holiday Arts and Gift Show see Tuesday 1; A Christmas Carol see Wednesday 2; Sights & Sounds of Christmas see Wednesday 2.

Saturday 5

Family Events

ROCK’N LIGHTS ++ 6 to 10 p.m. Old Settlers Park, 4111 E. Old Settlers Blvd., Round Rock. $15. roundrocktexas.gov.

LIGHTS ON! 6 to 8 p.m. City Hall, 1102 Lohmans Crossing Rd., Lakeway. FREE. lakeway-tx.gov or 512-314-7532.

MAIN STREET BETHLEHEM ++ 6 to 9 p.m. 108 S. Vanderveer, Burnet. FREE. fbcburnet.org or 512-756-4481.

MADRONE CANYON HIKE 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Laura’s Library, 9411 Bee Cave Rd. FREE. westbanklibrary.com or 512327-3045. HOLIDAY BY THE TRACKS 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Veterans Memorial Park, 109 Depot St., Elgin. FREE. elgintx.com or 512-229-3227. ‘TWAS THE LIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS (RSVP) 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Holy Word Lutheran Church, 10601 Bluff Bend Dr. FREE. HolyWord.net. A PRAIRIE CHRISTMAS ++ 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Pioneer Farms, 10621 Pioneer Farms Dr. $6 kids 3-12. pioneerfarms.org or 512-837-1215.

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

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CHRISTMAS MARKET 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. German Free School, 507 E. 10th St. germantexans.org or 512-467-4569.

COCOA WITH COWBOYS 5 to 7 p.m. Williamson Museum, 716 S. Austin Ave., Georgetown. FREE. williamsonmuseum.org or 512-943-1670.

VIOLET CROWN ARTS FESTIVAL ++ 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Brentwood Elementary, 6700 Yates. FREE. violetcrowncommunity.org.

CONTINUING: Zilker Holiday Tree see Tuesday 1; Rock’N Lights see Tuesday 1; A Christmas Carol see Wednesday 2; Ebenezer’s Journey see Friday 4; Main Street Bethlehem see Friday 4; 35th Annual Christmas Stroll see Friday 4; Sights & Sounds of Christmas see Wednesday 2.

WHAT’S THE STORY STEVE? ++ 10 to 11 a.m. ColdTowne Theater, 4803 Airport Blvd. Pay what you wish. moveyourtale.com. WILD BY NATURE 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. McKinney Roughs Nature Park, 1884 SH 71 West, Cedar Creek. FREE. lcra.org/mckinneyroughs or 512-303-5073. HOLIDAY STROLL, CHRISTMAS PARADE AND PFESTIVAL OF LIGHTS 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Downtown Pflugerville. FREE. pflugervilletx.gov. 2015 ART FROM THE STREETS ++ 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Austin Convention Ctr., 500 E. Cesar Chavez. artfromthestreets.com. FAMILY PROGRAM 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Blanton Museum, 200 E. MLK. $5 - $9 (FREE with UT ID). blantonmuseum.org. HOLIDAY CELEBRATION 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Montopolis Rec Ctr., 1200 Montopolis Dr. FREE. austintexas.gov. UNIVISION NOCHE NAVIDEÑA 3 p.m. Barrientos MAC, 600 River St. FREE. austintexas.gov.

Sunday 6

Hanukkah Begins FREE FIRST SUNDAYS 12 to 3 p.m. Bullock Museum, 1800 N. Congress Ave. FREE. thestoryoftexas.com or 512-936-8746. A CHRISTMAS CAROL ++ 2:30 p.m. Zach Theatre, 202 S. Lamar. zachtheatre.org or 512-476-0541. MI TIERRA BORICUA SEMBRANDO HERENCIA 2015 3 p.m. Carver Museum, 1165 Angelina St. $15 adults advance, $3 child. prfdance.org or 512-251-8122. ALL AGES IMPROV NIGHT ++ 5 p.m. ColdTowne Theater, 4803 Airport Blvd. Pay what you wish. coldtownetheater.com or 512-814-TOWN.

Pick us up at HEB, Whole Foods and Central Market

Tree Lighting & Santa’s Workshop, Dec. 4 CONTINUING: Zilker Holiday Tree see Tuesday 1; Rock’N Lights see Tuesday 1; Main Street Bethlehem see Friday 4; Violet Crown Arts Festival see Saturday 5; A Prairie Christmas see Saturday 5; 2015 Art From the Streets see Saturday 5.

Monday 7

Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day CONTINUING: Zilker Holiday Tree see Tuesday 1; Rock’N Lights see Tuesday 1; VSA Texas Holiday Arts and Gift Show see Tuesday 1.

December 2015 l austinfamily.com

Thursday 10 COOKIES & COCOA AT THE COURTHOUSE 6 p.m. Hays County Courthouse, 111 E. San Antonio St., San Marcos. FREE. ci.san-marcos.tx.us or 512-393-8400.

Rock’N Lights, Nov. 30 – Dec. 26 Tuesday 8 TRAIL OF LIGHTS ++ 7 to 10 p.m. Zilker Park, 2100 Barton Springs Rd. FREE. austintrailoflights.org. CONTINUING: Zilker Holiday Tree see Tuesday 1; Rock’N Lights see Tuesday 1; VSA Texas Holiday Arts and Gift Show see Tuesday 1.

CONTINUING: Zilker Holiday Tree see Tuesday 1; Rock’N Lights see Tuesday 1; VSA Texas Holiday Arts and Gift Show see Tuesday 1; Trail of Lights see Tuesday 8; A Christmas Carol see Wednesday 2.

Friday 11 CONTINUING: Zilker Holiday Tree see Tuesday 1; Rock’N Lights see Tuesday 1; VSA Texas Holiday Arts and Gift Show see Tuesday 1; Ebenezer’s Journey see Friday 4; Main Street Bethlehem see Friday 4; Trail of Lights see Tuesday 8; A Christmas Carol see Wednesday 2.

Saturday 12 Wednesday 9 CONTINUING: Zilker Holiday Tree see Tuesday 1; Rock’N Lights see Tuesday 1; VSA Texas Holiday Arts and Gift Show see Tuesday 2; Arts and Crafts see Tuesday 1; Trail of Lights see Tuesday 8; A Christmas Carol see Wednesday 2.

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BRIGHT LEAF GUIDED HIKES ++ 9 to 11:30 a.m. Bright Leaf Preserve, 2222 and Creek Mountain Rd. FREE. brightleaf.org or 512-459-7269. CHERRYWOOD ART FAIR 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Maplewood Elementary, 3808 Maplewood Ave. FREE. cherrywoodartfair.org.

HANDS ON HISTORY 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Williamson Museum, 716 S. Austin Ave., Georgetown. FREE. williamsonmuseum.org or 512-943-1670. 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. CAPITOL CHRISTMAS CONCERT AND COMMUNITY SING-ALONG Noon. Capitol Bldg., 1100 Congress Ave. FREE. acapellatexas.org. CHRISTMAS AT OLD FORT CROGHAN 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Old Fort Croghan, 703 Buchanan Dr., Burnet. FREE - donations accepted. fortcroghan.org or 512-756-8281. CONTINUING: Zilker Holiday Tree see Tuesday 1; Rock’N Lights see Tuesday 1; Ebenezer’s Journey see Friday 4; Main Street Bethlehem see Friday 4; A Prairie Christmas see Saturday 5; What’s the Story Steve? see Saturday 5; Trail of Lights see Tuesday 8; A Christmas Carol see Wednesday 2.

Sunday 13 CONTINUING: Zilker Holiday Tree see Tuesday 1; Rock’N Lights see Tuesday 1; Main Street Bethlehem see Friday 4; A Prairie Christmas see Saturday 5; A Christmas Carol see Sunday 6; All Ages Improv Night see

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Sunday 6; Trail of Lights see Tuesday 8; Bright Leaf Guided Hikes see Saturday 12.

Monday 14 Hanukkah Ends

CONTINUING: Zilker Holiday Tree see Tuesday 1; Rock’N Lights see Tuesday 1; VSA Texas Holiday Arts and Gift Show see Tuesday 1; Trail of Lights see Tuesday 8.

Tuesday 15 ARMADILLO CHRISTMAS BAZAAR ++ 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Palmer Events Center, 900 Barton Springs Rd. $8. armadillochristmasbazaar.com. CONTINUING: Zilker Holiday Tree see Tuesday 1; Rock’N Lights see Tuesday 1; VSA Texas Holiday Arts and Gift Show see Tuesday 1; Trail of Lights see Tuesday 8; A Christmas Carol see Wednesday 2.

Wednesday 16

Arts and Gift Show see Tuesday 1; Armadillo Christmas Bazaar see Tuesday 15; A Christmas Carol see Wednesday 2.

Thursday 17 THE BIG SING-ALONG Noon. Blanton Museum, 200 E MLK. FREE. conspirare.org or 512-476-5775. THIRD THURSDAY 12 to 9 p.m. Blanton Museum, 200 E MLK. FREE. blantonmuseum.org or 5124715482. NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS BREAK 5:30 to 8 p.m. Metz Rec Ctr., 2407 Canterbury St. FREE. austintexas.gov or 512-478-8716. CONTINUING: Zilker Holiday Tree see Tuesday 1; Rock’N Lights see Tuesday 1; VSA Texas Holiday Arts and Gift Show see Tuesday 1; Armadillo Christmas Bazaar see Tuesday 15; A Christmas Carol see Wednesday 2; Trail of Lights see Wednesday 16.

Friday 18

TRAIL OF LIGHTS ++ 7 to 10 p.m. Zilker Park, 2100 Barton Springs Rd. $3 for ages 12+. austintrailoflights.org.

GROUNDWORK MUSIC ORCHESTRA CONCERT 6 to 9 p.m. Central Market, 4001 N. Lamar. FREE. groundworkmusic.org or 512-669-2028.

CONTINUING: Zilker Holiday Tree see Tuesday 1; Rock’N Lights see Tuesday 1; VSA Texas Holiday

A COOL YULE ++ 7:30 p.m. TexArts Theatre, 2300 Lohman’s Spur. tex-arts.org or 512-852-9079.

Pick us up at HEB, Whole Foods and Central Market

December 2015 l austinfamily.com

CONTINUING: Zilker Holiday Tree see Tuesday 1; Rock’N Lights see Tuesday 1; VSA Texas Holiday Arts and Gift Show see Tuesday 1; Armadillo Christmas Bazaar see Tuesday 15; A Christmas Carol see Wednesday 2; Trail of Lights see Wednesday 16.

Saturday 19 HOLIDAY HEROES 11 a.m. Zach Theatre, 202 S. Lamar. starting at $15. zachtheatre.org or 512-4760-594. A CHRISTMAS CAROL ++ 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Zach Theatre, 202 S. Lamar. zachtheatre.org or 512-476-0541. A CHILD’S CHRISTMAS IN WALES 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. First Presbyterian Church, 8001 Mesa Blvd. $15. 512-440-0915. WILLIAMSON COUNTY SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA CONCERT 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. St. William Catholic Church, 620 Round Rock W. Dr. FREE. wilcosymphony.org. CONTINUING: Zilker Holiday Tree see Tuesday 1; Rock’N Lights see Tuesday 1; What’s the Story Steve? see Saturday 5; Trail of Lights see Wednesday 16; Armadillo Christmas Bazaar see Tuesday 15; A Cool Yule see Friday 18.

December 2015 l austinfamily.com

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Sunday 20 CONTINUING: Zilker Holiday Tree see Tuesday 1; Rock’N Lights see Tuesday 1; A Christmas Carol see Sunday 6; All Ages Improv Night see Sunday 6; Armadillo Christmas Bazaar see Tuesday 15; Trail of Lights see Wednesday 16.

Monday 21 CONTINUING: Zilker Holiday Tree see Tuesday 1; Rock’N Lights see Tuesday 1; VSA Texas Holiday

Arts and Gift Show see Tuesday 1; Armadillo Christmas Bazaar see Tuesday 15; Trail of Lights see Wednesday 16.

Tuesday 22 First Day of Winter

CONTINUING: Zilker Holiday Tree see Tuesday 1; Rock’N Lights see Tuesday 1; VSA Texas Holiday Arts and Gift Show see Tuesday 1; Armadillo Christmas Bazaar see Tuesday 15; Trail of Lights see Wednesday 16; A Christmas Carol see Wednesday 2.

SATURDAY JANUARY 23

Pick us up at HEB, Whole Foods and Central Market

December 2015 l austinfamily.com

Wednesday 23

Sunday 27

CONTINUING: Zilker Holiday Tree see Tuesday 1; All Ages Improv Night see Sunday 6; A Christmas Carol see Sunday 6.

Monday 28 Thursday 24 CONTINUING: Zilker Holiday Tree see Tuesday 1; Rock’N Lights see Tuesday 1; Armadillo Christmas Bazaar see Tuesday 15.

Friday 25

CONTINUING: Zilker Holiday Tree see Tuesday 1.

Tuesday 29 CONTINUING: Zilker Holiday Tree see Tuesday 1.

Christmas Day

CONTINUING: Zilker Holiday Tree see Tuesday 1; Rock’N Lights see Tuesday 1; A Christmas Carol see Wednesday 2.

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Wednesday 30 THAT’S MY FACE FILM SERIES 4:30 p.m. Carver Museum, 1165 Angelina St. FREE. austintexas.gov or 512-974-3690.

Saturday 26

CONTINUING: Zilker Holiday Tree see Tuesday 1.

CONTINUING: Zilker Holiday Tree see Tuesday 1; Rock’N Lights see Tuesday 1; What’s the Story Steve? see Saturday 5; A Christmas Carol see Saturday 19.

Thursday 31 NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Round Rock Library, 216 E. Main St. FREE.

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roundrocktexas.gov or 512-218-7001. ANY: AUSTIN’S NEW YEAR 4 to 10 p.m. Auditorium Shores, S. 1st St. and Riverside Dr. FREE. austintexas.gov. CONTINUING: Zilker Holiday Tree see Tuesday 1.

Parenting Events ANY BABY CAN offers free parenting classes in English and Spanish on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Postpartum support group meets on Thursdays. 6207 Sheridan Ave. FREE. anybabycan.org or 512-454-3743. YMCA offers a free Childhood Obesity Intervention Program on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays throughout the month.Various locations. austinymca.org or 512-236-9622. BRIDGES TO GROWTH offers a free Love and Logic early childhood parenting class on Wednesdays throughout the month. 7 to 8:30 p.m. 805 W. University Ave., Georgetown. georgetownproject.org or 512-864-3008.

VISIT US ONLINE AT WWW.AUSTINFAMILY.COM FOR WEEKLY PRIZES

Pick us up at HEB, Whole Foods and Central Market

December 2015 l austinfamily.com

Tuesday 1

Monday 7

LA LECHE LEAGUE MEETING 10 a.m. Christ’s Workshop, 212 E. Monroe. FREE. texaslll.org.

SPECIAL NEEDS SUPPORT GROUP 11 a.m. Plaza Level Park at 111 Congress Ave., Austin, Texas , 111 Congress Ave. (Plaza Level Park). FREE. Internationalautismministry.com or 737-247-8142.

LITTLE TEXAS HOMESCHOOLERS 10:30 a.m. Wells Branch Community Library, 15001 Wells Port Dr. FREE. wblibrary.org.

Wednesday 9 Wednesday 2 LA LECHE LEAGUE MEETING 10 a.m. Austin Public Library North Village Branch, 2505 Steck Ave. FREE. texaslll.org.

LA LECHE LEAGUE MEETING 10:15 a.m. Will Hampton Branch Library, 5125 Convict Hill Rd. FREE. texaslll.org.

Wednesday 16 Thursday 3 POSTPARTUM SUPPORT GROUP ++ 10 to 11:30 a.m. Any Baby Can, 6207 Sheridan Ave. FREE. anybabycan.org.

TODDLER ENRICHMENT MEETING 10 a.m. Brentwood Park, 6710 Arroyo Seco. FREE. texaslll.org. af

LA LECHE LEAGUE MEETING 7 p.m. North Austin Medical Center, Room 2B, 12221 N. Mopac Expy. FREE. texaslll.org.

December 2015 l austinfamily.com

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KID ONE Make Your Own Musical Shaker! Don’t worry if you don’t consider yourself “musical.” The only thing that matters is having fun and making music. An at-home play-along is a fantastic way to engage with music, so turn up your favorite song and get ready to rock with these easy do-it-yourself shakers, suitable for children of all ages!

What You Need

• • • •

Empty drink or condiment bottles Shaker “fillers” such as dried beans, rice, pasta or pony beads Duct tape or masking tape Decorating supplies (such as stickers, washi tape or even washable paint)

What You Do Step 1:

Wash and rinse the bottles. These will become the body of your shakers. Let them dry.

Step 2:

Put a bit of filler in each bottle, experimenting with how different fillers make different sounds. Be sure not to put too much in. The filler should have plenty of room to shake around.

Step 3:

Secure the lids of bottles and then wrap with duct tape or masking tape.

Step 4:

Decorate the bottles and shake, shake, shake!

Heartsong Music provides early childhood music education programs for the entire family. We seek to create a community of music-makers by providing excellent teachers, materials, and classroom resources in a developmentally appropriate, engaging, and fun, participatory environment that supports and nurtures music development in young children, birth through grade two. For more information, visit HeartsongMusic.net or call 512-371-9506. Pick us up at HEB, Whole Foods and Central Market

December 2015 l austinfamily.com

focus on advertisement

doctors

Dr. Julio De la Fuente

Smileworks Orthodontics Dr. De la Fuente received his bachelor’s degree in biology from UTSA as part of the 3+4 program (3 years of college plus 4 years of dental school). He completed this exclusive and challenging program at the top of his class. Dr. De la Fuente is also a graduate of the orthodontic residency program at UTHSCSA. See ad on page 43

Dr. Linda Lopez

ADC Circle C 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 preventative, developmental and general pediatrics. See ad on page 48

Dr. Rachel Montgomery

Lonestar Pediatric Dental Dr. Montgomery graduated from Baylor University in Waco, and followed up by attending the University of Texas Dental School in Houston. Her residency was 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 29

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 29

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 40

Dr. Theresa Willis

ADC Steiner Ranch Dr. Willis is a graduate of the University of Texas, received her medical degree from Baylor College of Medicine in Houston and completed her residency at Texas Children’s Hospital. Dr. Willis’ professional interests include developmental pediatrics, fitness and healthy weight in children and teens. She is board certified by the American Board of Pediatrics. See ad on page 48

December 2015 l austinfamily.com

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smart

screentime™ by Ben Kramer

It’s holiday season, when we adopt strange practices—eating sweets day and night, wearing intentionally ugly sweaters, stressing about finding and then giving away stuff, and, most miraculous of all, assembling as families around televisions in order to view favorites from our childhood, as well as to see what new programs will enter the holiday canon.

This family-time viewing offers a chance to practice one of KLRU’s Smart Screen Time® guidelines—to talk about programs while in the course of viewing or during breaks. You’ll be able to see some obvious themes and connections, but try to ask your kids about the not-so-obvious: differences in animation styles, connections to the deeper meanings of religious observances, and their own preferences as critical consumers of media. See the full KLRU holiday lineup at klru.org/holiday. Speaking of things to talk about, we’re bringing back an old favorite—Bob the Builder—with a new look. Airing daily M-F at 10:30 a.m., Bob presents fun problem-solving challenges while developing STEM thinking and vocabulary. A glance outside your home or a quick car trip should provide plenty of real-world referents to Bob’s machines and tools. After your kids solve Austin’s traffic issues, check out Bob’s new site at pbskids.org/bob. af Benjamin Kramer, Ph.D., is the director of education for KLRU-TV, Austin PBS. Pick us up at HEB, Whole Foods and Central Market

December 2015 l austinfamily.com

just for by Carrie Taylor

grins

Surviving Toddlerhood I’ve recently been introduced to the latest stage in my child’s development, and I can now officially call him a terror toddler. My son decided to finally get on the developmental milestone train and walk at 17 months, and with that change has come an entirely new menu of emotions. For instance, it seems he can

December 2015 l austinfamily.com

both passionately love and hate me at the same time. But I’ve learned to cope, and have even developed a few tactics I thought I would share. You see, my toddler can be playing peacefully on the living room floor with his blocks, giggling and babbling away, and then it happens. He looks up to see me smiling, thinking to myself how wonderful life is and marveling at his dimples.

circles around the kitchen, he usually gives up. Is this bad parenting? I say no—I am essentially leading a group exercise class. And we all know childhood obesity is real. You’re welcome, Michelle Obama. af Carrie Taylor is a native Texan and mother of one.

Look at her – smiling again. IT’S DISGUSTING, I imagine him thinking. Because in that moment, those adorable dimples vanish, and his face contorts into a gremlin-like scowl. He waddles toward me looking like he wants a hug. But no, I tell you, he does not—because as soon as I pick him up, his body twists like he has been touched by hot coals. So I run away. We do this cuckoo clock-type race several times a day. He finds me spying on his busy work, drops whatever is holding his attention, approaches, and then I walk away just fast enough so he can’t catch me. After a few

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