FREE
MARCH 2017
®
Eat Your Veggies!
smart parenting • healthy homes
Spring Break & Summer Camps!
Serving Austin’s Families Since 1992
Is Organic Produce Worth the Cost? 6 Tips for Raising a Veggie Lover How Much Sugar is Too Much?
A Chat with Johnson’s Backyard Garden
25th Anniversary
INSIDE!
CALENDAR • ARTÍCULOS EN ESPAÑOL
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MARCH 2017
smart parenting • healthy homes
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Blooming Business
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Apples to Apples
Raising Veggie Lovers
columns
calendar
en español
12 Family Matters
44 Museum Exhibits 44 Family Events 48 Parenting Events 49 Story Times
23 Asuntos Familiares
Will My Vegetarian Teen Get Enough Nutrients?
13 Ten Things…
for National Nutrition Month
14 Family Connections
Cute Photo? Think Before “Sharenting”
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The Learning Curve When I Grow Up
20 Lifelines
How Much Sugar Is Your Child Consuming?
43 Remembering My Roots Holy Week
52 Just for Grins
3 Ways to Trick Your Toddler
follow us: tune in:
in every issue 5
Play It Safe Recalls
Conformismo vs. Plenitud
43 Recordando Mis Raíces Semana Santa
by Jack Kyser This month’S review:
What to Watch During Spring Break
Get Cooking!
extras 25 Camp Guide 48 Readers’ Poll Ballot 50 Smart Screen TIme 51 Focus on Doctors
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43 Piensa Positivo
FILM REVIEW
6 Around Austin 51 Kidzone
Catch Austin Family live on “Good Day Austin” every Friday morning and “Despierta Austin” the first Friday morning of each month.
¿Obtendrá Suficientes Nutrientes Mi Adolescente Vegetariano?
New items each week. Visit our website to register.
Read online at: www.austinfamily.com/films
On the Cover Payton’s favorite vegetable is carrots. She is a 2017 Cover Kid Winner.
Photo by Jordan Ashley Photography.
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®
“
BY SHERIDA MOCK
March 2017 Volume 24, No. 12
Don’t eat anything your great-grandmother wouldn’t recognize as food.”
PUBLISHER
Michael Pollan’s admonition circled through my thoughts as I curated this month’s issue. Like most parents, I struggled to get my children to eat nutritious meals. It was easier when they were really young, but as soon as they were old enough to talk and catch me sneaking a Dr Pepper, they began to beg—in their tiny, irresistible voices—for a “sip a soda.” I’m sad to say I gave in, mostly from caffeine-deprived exhaustion.
EDITOR
All this is to say that I understand too well the challenge of feeding your kids a healthy meal in the age of instant gratification and parenting-on-the-go. So, to inspire your better selves at meal time, we bring you our nutrition issue, with a one-on-one featuring Brenton Johnson, founder of Johnson’s Backyard Garden, Tiffany Guerzon’s info on the cost of organic produce and Malia Jacobson’s tips for raising a veggie-loving baby. In addition, Betty Richardson offers advice on feeding your teen vegetarian, Phonatic brings you an easy spring roll recipe to try and Carrie Taylor keeps it real with her hilarious account of disguising veggies for her toddler. Happy Spring!
Kaye K. Lowak Sherida Mock: editor2003@austinfamily.com
COPY EDITOR
Barb Matijevich
ADVISING EDITORS
Dr. Betty Kehl Richardson, Barb Matijevich
CALENDAR EDITOR
Betty Kemper: calendar2003@austinfamily.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Sherida Mock, Dr. Betty Richardson, Jack Kyser, Richard Singleton, Carrie Taylor, Brenda Schoolfield, Rocio Barbosa, Margaret Nicklas, Tiffany Doerr Guerzon and Malia Jacobson
TRANSLATION TEAM
Maribel Ruvalcaba, Margo Vogelpohl
GRAPHIC DESIGN
Susie Forbes & Mary Lingle
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Jordan Ashley Photography
ADVERTISING SALES
Kaye K. Lowak: kaye2003@austinfamily.com
BUSINESS & DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Greg Lowak: greg@austinfamily.com
We are dedicated to serving the Greater Austin area by providing up-to-date information and ideas that promote smart parenting and healthy homes. We promote our clients’ businesses by increasing their customer bases and enhancing their public images. Austin Family is published monthly by KKKemper Inc. Mailing Address: P.O. Box 7559, Round Rock, Texas 78683-7559 Phone Number: 512-733-0038 On the web at: www.austinfamily.com 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 $30 per year. Copyright 2017. 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 Strollers, Nightlights and Beach Chairs Aria Child is recalling about 29,400 strollers because a gap in the stroller’s folding side hinge can pinch a caregiver’s hand during unfolding, posing a laceration hazard. In addition, the stroller can fold unexpectedly during use, posing an injury and fall hazard to the caregiver and child. The recall involves the gb Qbit lightweight stroller for children up to 50 pounds. The strollers are mostly black with an accent color. Affected units were sold at Babies R Us and other retail stores nationwide and Albeebaby.com, Amazon.com, Dmartstores. com, Medbroad.com and other online retailers from May 2015 through November 2016 for about $180. Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled strollers and contact Aria Child for a free replacement stroller. Walt Disney Parks and Resorts US is recalling about 3,000 nightlights because liquid from the nightlight can leak onto the electrical outlet, posing a fire hazard. The recall involves the Happy Holidays! Mickey Mouse Nightlight with a Mickey Mouse face and red and white Santa hat filled with liquid and glitter. Affected units were sold exclusively at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, Disneyland Resort in California, Shop Disney Parks mobile app, and online at Disneystore.com between July 2016 and November 2016 for about $15. Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled nightlights and contact Walt Disney Parks and Resorts US for instructions on returning them for a full refund. Ikea is recalling about 33,400 beach chairs because the chairs can collapse, posing fall and fingertip amputation hazards. The recall involves Ikea Mysingso beach chairs, which are foldable with a wood base and an attached fabric seat. The recalled chairs include seats of solid white, red or green; light striped red or blue; striped red or blue; and chevron grey, chevron light blue or chevron light red. Affected units were sold at Ikea stores nationwide and online at ikea-usa.com between February 2013 and December 2016 for about $25. Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled chairs and return them to any Ikea store for a free replacement or full refund. 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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GO TO WWW.AUSTINFAMILY.COM FOR WEEKLY UPDATES OF AROUND AUSTIN NEWS
Public Television
KLRU has announced that on April 1, it will launch free, localized 24/7 children’s services including a new TV channel and live stream on digital platforms. The effort is KLRU’s latest initiative to support early learning in the community.
council to The Contemporary Austin and as ambassadors for teens within the museum and community. Teens need not be artists to apply. The Teen Council meets from September through May on Wednesday evenings and on some Saturdays. For more information, contact teenprograms@ thecontemporaryaustin.org.
Screen your home March 19-25; it’s Poison Prevention Week.
Teen Council members prepare to lead a tour of The Contemporary Austin. Photo by Brian Fitzsimmons.
Teen Arts Council
Beginning March 1, the Contemporary Austin will be accepting applications for its Teen Council, a leadership arts program offering paid positions for 10 to 12 high school students (ages 15-18). The Teen Council serves as an advisory
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The next statewide competition will be the annual summer games during the last weekend of May in Arlington, TX. For more information, visit specialolympicstexas.org.
Sensory-Friendly Style
“We are excited to build on the work we do every day for Central Texas families,” says Bill Stotesbery, CEO of KLRU. The KLRU PBS Kids 24/7 channel will include popular favorites such as Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Odd Squad, Wild Kratts and Dinosaur Train. The newest PBS Kids series Splash and Bubbles, Nature Cat and Ready Jet Go! will also be featured.
Eat healthy every day; it’s National Nutrition Month. Celebrate farming on March 21, National Agriculture Day.
KLRU will broadcast PBS Kids shows 24 hours a day on television channel 18.4 and offer a live stream, allowing Central Texas children to watch their favorite shows during primetime and other afterschool hours. KLRU’s primary channel 18.1 will continue to feature a PBS Kids daytime schedule. Viewers can watch the KLRU-br anded live stream through pbskids.org and on the PBS Kids Video app. Soon after the launch, the live stream will also be available on over-the-top platforms such as Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Xbox One and Chromecast. After the initial launch, an integrated games feature will be offered, enabling children to toggle between a PBS Kids show and an activity that extends learning.
Must -Do This Month
Athletes competed in bowling, powerlifting and volleyball at the Special Olympics Winter Games. Photo courtesy of Special Olympics Texas.
Special Olympics
The 2017 Special Olympics Texas (SOTX) winter games took place in Central Texas in February. More than 2,600 athletes from across the state competed in bowling, powerlifting and volleyball. Members of the UT Austin football and volleyball teams attended as special guests and offered words of encouragement to the SOTX athletes at the event’s Celebration Ceremony.
In January, stylists and managers at Cookie Cutters received training on techniques to ensure that children with special needs have a satisfying haircutting experience. The salon is one of the first local businesses to partner with the Autism Society of Texas to implement sensory-friendly accommodations. One product of the partnership is a “social book,” which is a picture book that helps children understand the haircut process. The book serves to help prepare the child for the experience so they will know what to expect. The salon will also have lap blankets available to help soothe children during the haircut process and a treasure chest holding stress balls and toys. Other adjustments include playing classical music and adjusting the lighting.
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“The most important thing is truly understanding the needs of all children,” says salon owner Don Avena. “We look forward to continuing our partnership with the Autism Society of Texas for many years to come.” “The Autism Society of Texas was thrilled to train the Cookie Cutters team about autism, inclusion and sensory friendly environments,” says Suzanne Potts, Executive Director of the Autism Society of Texas. “We applaud their staff for being so thoughtful of the needs of those with autism and other disabilities.”
Team Sports
An Austin mom and CEO announced the launch of an app to help streamline youth sports team management and game day information for busy parents and coaches. Name the Teammate puts roster, team and venue information right at a parent’s fingertips and makes it easier for parents and coaches to manage multiple sports schedules and keep track of player and team information on game day. With each parent’s permission, a team administrator inputs players’ names, jersey numbers and upcoming game schedules so that coaches and parents have detailed event location and an updated roster. Parents on the opposing team can also opt-in, so that fans on both sides can follow the game and players.
The Autism Society of Texas and Cookie Cutters team up to make haircuts sensoryfriendly. Photo courtesy of Cookie Cutters.
Laura LeMond, CEO of Name the Teammate, says, “As a busy mom, I am always rushing from one field to the next to watch my sons play. The idea for Name the Teammate came
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to me one day while I was sitting in the stands at my son’s football game. Every time someone scored, a parent would turn to me and say ‘Who was that?’ I realized that parents needed an easy way to not only figure out where their children are playing but to know who’s on the field when we get there.”
Computer Science Education
A new $5 million grant from the Texas Education Agency (TEA) aims to increase the number of Texas educators certified to teach computer science. UT Austin’s WeTeach_CS program will use the grant to provide intensive, sustained K-12 professional development. “TEA’s previous support of WeTeach_CS has already been transformative for districts across the spectrum—from giant urban districts like Houston and Dallas to remote rural districts like Presidio and Iraan-Sheffield,” says Carol Fletcher, director of WeTeach_CS. “In the Houston ISD, for example, the number of certified computer science teachers has grown from eight to 29 since 2015 as a result of the HISDWeTeach_CS partnership. In 2015, the
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number of students in the district who were enrolled in advanced computer science courses was 151. In 2016, they had 1,042.” Approximately half of the grant will be used to fund 29 computer science collaboratives around the state to
provide direct training and support for teachers in their region. The grant will also fund pilot teacher externship projects that connect Texas educators to industry experiences in STEM fields. “TEA is thrilled to partner with UT on these initiatives,” says Penny Schwinn, the TEA’s deputy commissioner of academics. “We believe deeply in Texas educators and know that this investment in their collaboration with industry partners will not only enrich their ongoing professional learning, but significantly impact the achievement of their students.”
Scholarship Applications
The TEA says only 2% of Texas high school graduates completed a computer science class in 2015, even though 60 percent of today’s science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) jobs are in computing. Photo by Christina S. Murrey.
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Central Texas Medical Center (CTMC) has announced it will honor several outstanding local and regional high school students with $1,000 scholarships. The scholarships, which CTMC has been awarding to area high school seniors since 1997, can be used to cover costs of attending a university, college, community college or vocational/trade school. The scholarship awards are based on community involvement, work or organization experience, financial need and academic achievement.
by the
numbers 1 in 5
Proportion of school-aged children with obesity Source: cdc.org
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Number of recommended servings of fruit and vegetables per day Source: healthychildren.org
55.5%
Texans eating five or more servings of vegetables four or more days per week Source: gallup.com
“CTMC is pleased to recognize and award students who have worked hard for their scholastic achievements,” says Anthony Stahl, CTMC CEO/President. “We look forward to rewarding deserving students again this year with funds that will help them in their college career.”
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Application forms are available at ctmc.org/giving. Applications must be submitted by Friday, March 31.
High school students accept scholarships from Central Texas Medical Center in 2015. Photo courtesy of CTMC.
Membership Assistance
The YMCA of Austin announced that more than 5,000 Austin-area families received financial assistance for YMCA membership in 2016 through the Y’s Membership for All program. “The Y is an important part of our young family’s life,” says Angela G., a Membership for All recipient. “We use the Child Watch, the gym, the pool, swim lessons, gymnastics and ballet as often as possible. Our family’s budget is pretty tight. We do not have a car payment or cable. We live fairly frugally and are so grateful to be able to benefit from the extra assistance given to us.” The YMCA of Austin offers a range of activities to meet the needs of all ages, from infants to seniors. The Y also offers Special Needs Adaptive Programs (SNAP) for persons with disabilities. “The Y is for everyone,” says James Finck, YMCA of Austin President and CEO. “We’re here for all ages, genders, religions, races, ethnicities, orientations, abilities and socioeconomic backgrounds. We don’t turn anyone away who can’t afford to pay the membership or program fees.”
YMCA of Austin offers membership assistance through its Membership for All program. Photo courtesy of YMCA of Austin.
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Blooming Business:
Johnson’s Backyard Garden Grew from Hobbyist Roots BY SHERIDA MOCK
Brenton Johnson farms 200 acres east of Austin. Photo by Scott David Gordon.
Mama Nell begged him to get a “real job,” but farming was irresistible. In 1997, Brenton Johnson graduated from Auburn University with a degree in agricultural engineering. He tried to follow his grandmother’s wishes, and for a time he did, working for the Bureau of Reclamation in Oregon and Wyoming. But a 2001 transfer to Austin proved pivotal. Here, Johnson bought a house with his wife, Beth, and started a backyard garden in 2004. The harvest was so abundant, he sold the excess at a farmer’s market. He made $100 in one day and was hooked. Now, this one-time hobbyist heads up Johnson’s Backyard Garden, one of the largest organic farms in Texas. His produce supplies Whole Foods Markets, Austin ISD school salad bars, local restaurants, and individuals throughout the year. Johnson met with us recently to talk about his roots and his blooming business.
AF: How did Johnson’s Backyard Garden start?
Johnson: I married my high school sweetheart from Alabama in 2002, and we found a house at 1305 Holly Street. Beth started a little garden in the backyard. She says that I took it over [laughs]. It was just a hobby that I really, really loved. I’d read some books by Eliot Coleman and John Jeavons—he has a really neat book: How to Grow More Vegetables Than You Ever Thought Possible on Less Land Than You Can Imagine. It’s low tech, but you can do it any place in the world. It’s inspiring. I built a chicken coop. We built a nice fence all around. We had fruit trees. I had 17 different varieties of muscadine grapes on a trellis system. The garden produced
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way too much for us. So, I got a little table at the Sustainable Food Center, just one block away. People were like, “You got all this from your backyard garden?”
AF: Did you have plans for expansion?
Johnson: We just kind of made it up as we went along. I think I’ve always been a born entrepreneur. From the farmer’s markets, I started to look for other niches. In 2006, I started a CSA [Community Supported Agriculture] program with 10 members. I got the idea to send out a weekly availability email to restaurants. Now we deliver six days a week to restaurants all over Austin, San Antonio, Houston, Dallas and Waco.
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Then we learned how to wholesale, and we started a relationship with Whole Foods, Central Market and Wheatsville Co-op. And now we have four segments: about 15 farmer’s markets, about 300 restaurants, our wholesale accounts and about 2,000 CSA members.
The “Garfield Farm” near the Colorado River was once a dairy. Photo by Scott David Gordon.
AF: How did your garden keep up with demand?
Johnson: The garden got bigger, and bigger, and it went to the side yard and the front yard. I was swinging the kids on the tire swing out over the garden. Beth said, “Brent, this has gotten out of control.” So, I started looking for more space close to town. I found a place. It had huge pecan trees. It was 20 acres, with a house and a barn. We started farming the 20 acres in 2007. I would work at my day job, then on the farm in the afternoons. Mama Nell was saying, “You’re never going to be as profitable as you were in that backyard garden. Don’t you quit your job!” I didn’t listen to her. I ended up quitting to farm full time in 2008. It was a huge leap, but everyone was so supportive. Just like in the backyard, we ran out of space. Then the guy that is host to our Hyde Park CSA pickup location found a place that was 50 acres. He sold me 40 acres, and he kept 10. By the end of 2010, we ran out of space. This current farm [200 acres] used to be a historic dairy.
AF: Is it hard to farm in Central Texas?
Johnson: Farming is such a risky business that having the support of the community is essential. Austin’s not the best place for farming, because our weather here is terrible. It can be a flash flood, a drought, an ice storm. Tornados, hurricanes. Last year, we had 15 inches of rain in one day. There was a huge gully, 20 feet deep, where it had washed all our crops away. About six months later, straight-line winds came through and ripped out trees, and the greenhouses were completely smashed down. It blew out all the doors on our barn. It was terrible. But I couldn’t do this in Alabama, because there’s not a market for it. Austin is the best place in the whole country to do this. It’s got a food culture that doesn’t exist anywhere else.
AF: What’s your most popular crop?
Johnson: I can never grow enough carrots. They’re so fresh and sweet. I don’t know what we do, but they’re awesome.
AF: What will you harvest in March?
Johnson: Fennel, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, onions and brussels sprouts. We’ll have lots of carrots. All kinds of lettuces: baby arugula, spinach, braising mix, mustard greens. Also, we’ll have our annual transplant sale. This year we’re growing 20 different kinds of culinary herbs. We’ll be selling propagated grape cuttings. We’ll have fig trees, pomegranates, lemongrass. And lettuce, tomatoes, peppers, soil mix, organic fertilizer.
AF: What would Mama Nell say?
Johnson: Mama Nell is still alive today; she’s 90 years old. She said, “Your grandfather would be so proud.” af
Events at Johnson’s Backyard Garden March 4, 11 and 18: Transplant Sale April 1: Spring Picnic and 5K Garfield Farm 4008 River Rd. Cedar Creek, TX
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The annual transplant sale at Johnson’s Backyard Garden kicks off the backyard growing season. Photo by Scott David Gordon.
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Q
BY BETTY RICHARDSON
Our 14-year-old son came home from school and announced he is now a vegetarian. This decision surprised us, because he’s never liked vegetables. Why do you think a hamburgerloving, vegetable-hating kid would suddenly decide to become a vegetarian? What can a vegetarian teenager eat? Did I mention that my son is overweight? Do you think he will lose weight on a vegetarian diet? How can I be sure he gets all the nutrients he needs?
A
You ask why kids become vegetarians. I found the articles on the Internet providing only the following three reasons: 1) They are raised vegetarian by vegetarian parents, 2) they are morally opposed to harming animals or 3) they don’t like the taste of meat. In addition, I suspect that some kids become vegetarian because their best friends are vegetarian. Also, it seems possible to me that a few kids may choose to be vegetarian to be different and/or to get special attention.
What can a child eat if he is vegetarian? It depends on the type of vegetarian he decides to become. The term “vegetarian” is broad and includes the following types: •V egan—Eats only food derived from plants. No animal products at all. •O vo-vegetarian—Eats eggs, but not dairy products, meat, seafood or poultry. • L acto-vegetarian—Eats dairy products such as cheese and milk, but not eggs, meat, seafood or poultry.
Will My Vegetarian Teen Get Enough Nutrients? • Lacto-ovo vegetarian—Eats eggs and dairy but not meat, seafood or poultry. • Semi-vegetarian—Eats poultry and/or seafood and possibly eggs and dairy products, but not red meat such as beef or pork. You’ll want to clarify with your son what he intends to eat and not eat on his vegetarian diet. To be sure your son gets enough protein, you will want to serve him foods like yogurt, beans and corn, quinoa, tofu and peanut butter on wheat bread. If he doesn’t like yogurt, you can put it in a fruit smoothie. If he doesn’t like beans and corn on his plate, try refried beans and cheese (optional if he eats cheese) on a corn tortilla. Keep in mind that when you combine legumes (a category that includes beans, lentils and peanuts) with grains (such as wheat, rice or corn) you have a complete protein. Seeds such as quinoa and amaranth are also high in protein. Vegetables like cooked spinach or kale contain protein, as well. Research protein for vegans and you
will see a number of other options. To support their growth and development, children who are vegetarian need dietary sources of calcium and vitamin B12, iron, omega 3 fatty acids and iodine. Have your son research these needs and the recommended sources for them, and discuss his findings with him, as well as how he intends to meet his dietary needs. You ask if he will lose weight on a vegetarian diet. It’s possible he will lose weight, if he chooses to eat mainly vegetables. On the other hand, he could gain weight being what I call a “carboholic”—getting his calories from large servings of mostly sweets and simple carbohydrates such as bread, biscuits, pastries, cheese pizza, mac and cheese, ice cream, desserts, etc. A person could call themselves a vegetarian and seldom or never touch a vegetable. Teach him to cook if he doesn’t know how already. With your guidance, he can take the major responsibility for his special diet. 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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10 Things… for National Nutrition Month!
1. Build-your-own salads 2. Healthy eating tips from eatright.org 3. Fresh fruit kabobs 4. Nutrition info from choosemyplate.gov 5. Home gardens 6. Recipes from thelunchbox.org 7. Hectic Harvest game at pbskids.org 8. Smashing your food at foodnme.com 9. “Eating the Alphabet” book by Lois Ehlert 10. “Fueling the Teen Machine” book by Ellen Shanley and Colleen Thompson
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BY RICHARD SINGLETON
Cute Photo? Think Before “Sharenting”
When I was a toddler, I ensured that posterity would be free of any lasting memories of my terrible twos. In one fell swoop, I learned to use scissors, and my mom learned that she had a very mischievous little boy on her hands. She took the scissors, but I graduated to a hammer about a year later—a story for another day. (Poor choo-choo train!) I was a toddler about three decades before social media, so what was done was done. Finis! I had practically erased my nascent identity before I even got a good start on making mud pies and being “stuck on Band-Aid brand.” I guess the modern equivalent would be little Ethan or Ellie chucking the family backup drive into the toilet, deleting the now ubiquitous cloud drive or some such shenanigans. Truth is, a modern parent would easily be able to piece together almost all the pictures of their blameworthy bundle of joy just by surveying the landscape of their social media empires. Instagram and Facebook alone would keep Ken Burns buried in enough footage for a sizeable documentary. In fact, “sharenting” has become so infused into the way that we do parenting these days that none other than the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recently stepped into the fray to offer their sage advice on how to navigate the always tricky path of when to share and when to pare. Just this past October, Pediatrician Bahareh Keith, DO, MHSc, FAAP, and law professor Stacey Steinberg, JD, spoke at the AAP National Conference in San Francisco, presenting on “What Parents Should Share: Child Privacy in the Age of Social Media and the Pediatrician’s Role.” Steinberg’s research will also be featured in an upcoming issue of Emory Law Journal. Here she’ll explore the
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ethics and dueling rights of parents and children related to what is shared about children online. With all the medical dangers and legal minutia at hand in the 21st century, isn’t it telling that such a highly trained pediatrician and a vaunted legal expert would rally to the importance of over-sharing on social media and the need for us parents to be thoughtful, safe and collaborative in our approach? In exploring the dangers of “sharenting,” CNN Health’s feature writer, Jacqueline Howard, reported the horror story of a mother who posted a picture that was later accessed, altered and uploaded to a website frequented by pedophiles. So, yes, this is an issue that is more than fodder for silly parenting-poking memes. This is serious business. It may be painstaking work, but it’s important that you know how to guard your children’s online privacy and potentially, their safety. Howard shares these seven do’s and don’ts from her research: 1. DO familiarize yourself with the privacy policies of the sites with which you share. 2. DO set up a notification to alert whenever your child’s name appears in a Google search result.
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3. D O share anonymously, and consider not sharing publicly, if you choose to post about your child’s behavior struggles. 4. DON’T share, or use caution when sharing, your child’s actual location. 5. DO give your child veto power over online disclosures, including images, quotes, accomplishments and challenges. 6. DON’T post pictures that show your child in any state of undress. 7. DO consider the effect sharing can have on your child’s current and future sense of self and well-being. Gone are the days when a rambunctious toddler could delete his entire photographic history with a pair of shears in his hand and a glint of mischief in his eye. Be patient, be practical and be proactive. Be a parent who will protect the dignity and security of your child’s online story just as much as you do their carrot-stained, peek-a-booenthralled real-life existence. That’s a story worth sharing! af
Richard Singleton, MACE, MAMFC, LPC, is the executive director at STARRY in Round Rock.
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Apples to Apples: Is Organic Produce Worth the Cost?
BY TIFFANY DOERR GUERZON
When you shop for groceries, do you wonder if that organic apple is worth the extra dollar a pound? And what is that extra dollar buying you, anyway? A September 2012 study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine concluded that organic produce does not have any significant nutritional benefit over conventionally grown fruits and veggies. However, the study also concluded that organic produce does contain significantly less pesticide residue. For many consumers, a higher level of nutrients isn’t the only reason to buy organic. Some of the other reasons parents choose organic are to support organic farming practices and to
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reduce pesticide exposure both in their diet and in the exposure of farm workers. Organic farming practices are also considered by many to be more environmentally friendly, or “green,” than conventional farming. Do the pesticides applied to produce get into our bodies? They do, according to a study published in Environmental Health Perspectives in April 2008. In the Children’s Pesticide Exposure Study, 23 children between the ages of 3 and 11 in the greater Seattle area who usually ate conventional diets switched to organic equivalents for five consecutive days twice during the yearlong study. Urine samples were tested during the organic and conventional phases for metabolites (breakdown products) of organ phosphorous pesticides. The results? The two most commonly detected metabolites found during the conventional phase fell to undetectable or almost
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undetectable levels by the end of the organic phase. The authors of the study concluded that diet is a major source of pesticide exposure in kids. So, what does it all mean? Even the authors of the study say that there is no definite link between dietary pesticide exposure and health problems. And the experts seem to be split. The Environmental Working Group says the benefits of eating fruits and vegetables, whether organic or not, outweigh the risks of pesticide exposure. But many think, whether proven or not, that organic is safer. One side claims the amount of pesticide residue in conventional produce is too low to be of concern, but the other side argues the cumulative effect of ingesting small amounts of pesticides has yet to be well-studied. The Children’s Environmental Health Network says children are more vulnerable to pesticide exposure because of their small size and faster metabolisms. Also, it’s theorized that because children’s bodies are growing, these chemicals might be more harmful to kids than to adults. By that standard, pregnant women would be better off with organic produce as well. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) scored 48 fruits and vegetables by their pesticide load. They call the 12 items highest in pesticide residue the “Dirty Dozen.” If you are concerned about pesticides in your family’s diet, substituting organic for the “Dirty Dozen” would significantly reduce your exposure. They call the 15 items lowest in pesticide residue the “Clean Fifteen.” If you are concerned about the cost of organic produce, buying conventionally-grown items on this list can ease the burden on your pocketbook. There are ways to get organic produce for less. First, check sales. Most major grocers offer some organic produce in their weekly sale items. Second, try alternative shopping venues, like farmer’s markets. Community-supported agriculture (CSA) is another option. You buy a Pick us up at HEB, Whole Foods and Central Market
“share” and get a weekly box of produce. You’ll have to drive to a pickup location, but there is a cost savings in cutting out the middle man. Not all CSA programs are organic, so check before you buy. The EWG provides a free “Good Food on a Tight Budget” shopping guide. The guide lists 100 low-cost, high-nutrient foods along with recipes. One thing all experts seem to agree on is that eating fresh produce is good for overall health. If you want to limit your family’s exposure to pesticides, wash all produce well and buy organic when you can. af Tiffany Doerr Guerzon is a freelance writer and mother of three children.
The “Dirty Dozen”
Among 48 popular fruits and vegetables, these foods have the highest levels of pesticide residue. 1. Strawberries 2. Apples 3. Nectarines 4. Peaches 5. Celery 6. Grapes 7. Cherries 8. Spinach 9. Tomatoes 10. Sweet Bell Peppers 11. Cherry Tomatoes 12. Cucumbers Source: Environmental Working Group
The “Clean Fifteen”
Among 48 popular fruits and vegetables, these foods have the lowest levels of pesticide residue. 1. Avocados 2. Sweet Corn 3. Pineapples 4. Cabbage 5. Frozen Sweet Peas 6. Onions 7. Asparagus 8. Mangos 9. Papayas 10. Kiwis 11. Eggplant 12. Honeydew Melon 13. Grapefruit 14. Cantaloupe Melon 15. Cauliflower Source: Environmental Working Group March 2017 l austinfamily.com
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BY MARGARET NICKLAS
When I Grow Up: Career Insights for Your Child With the holidays past, spring break on tap and summer still a few months away, March is a great time to take stock of how your child’s school year has gone and think about what lies ahead. It’s also a great time for kids to reflect on where their interests lie— academic and otherwise—and to imagine what they might want to do as adults. To give you some ideas, we asked five local professionals to share their own reflections on what they do. Here is what they said.
Ann Valentino Elementary School Teacher Valentino says she loves teaching because she finds working with children to be rewarding and filled with great purpose. She also loves that her students constantly surprise her—every day is different. Valentino values the connections she makes with her students. Her preparation for her career has included a bachelor of science in elementary education and a master’s degree in educational administration. She is a national board certified teacher. Valentino says teachers that are successful are creative, dedicated, inspirational, trustworthy, resilient, patient, caring, forgiving, enthusiastic, adaptable, organized, engaging and kind.
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“Working with children is rewarding and has great purpose.”
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—Ann Valentino
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Jill Whiteside Schavrda Licensed Realtor Schavrda’s job is to help her clients— whether they are first-time homebuyers, investors or sellers of a childhood home—to achieve their goals. She loves the process of helping people find financial success, a new home they love, or relief and closure. Schavrda has a background in real estate, marketing, accounting and appraisal, along with photography and design. She also takes continuing education classes. She believes success in this job requires listening carefully and putting clients’ needs first. Referrals mean her clients are happy, which keeps her business thriving and makes her feel good, too.
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“It’s rewarding to be a part of creating success for my clients.” —Jill Whiteside Schavrda
Vivian Iskander Porter Public Health Advisor Porter works for the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Her job is to help kids get access to vaccines through a federal immunization program, which she finds both challenging and rewarding. Porter says she likes public service and serving large populations. She studied civil engineering in college and has a master’s degree in public health. She believes critical thinking skills are very important to be successful in her job. That means she is constantly thinking about her program’s goals and whether there are better ways to accomplish them. Flexibility, patience and perseverance are important, too.
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“We work to implement federal policies at the state level, which is both challenging and incredibly rewarding.” —Vivian Iskander Porter
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Stephen Robirds Orthodontic Specialist Orthodontics is a type of dentistry that deals with correcting or preventing irregularities in the teeth. Robirds says it’s special to be able to help children and adults when they have been embarrassed by their smile or unable to chew properly. Robirds has a doctor of dental surgery degree and a certificate in orthodontics. He believes that the ability to learn is fundamental to success in his field. Orthodontics is a branch of medicine that’s constantly improving and evolving, which means he must continually be learning in order to give patients the best treatment possible.
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“There’s something so special about helping a child or adult achieve incredible results.” —Stephen Robirds
“To me, it’s all about service to others.” —James Green
James Green Outreach Program Coordinator Green’s job involves supporting people in recovery and helping kids and young adults with mental health challenges. He loves providing service to others. James has a bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration and has experience working for the Texas Department of Health. He currently works for UT Austin. To succeed in this job, Green says it’s important to have a passion for public health promotion, to be flexible and to understand how to pull together the right government agencies, resources and people required to get the job done. af Margaret Nicklas is an Austin-based freelance journalist, writer and mom who covers public affairs, public health and the well-being of children.
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BY BRENDA SCHOOLFIELD
How Much Sugar Is Your Child Consuming? “Kids can’t help it! We love sweets,” laments Jonas, a 3rd grader at UT Elementary. That’s confirmed by a recent report showing US children consume about 19 teaspoons of added sugars a day—more than 3 times the recommended amount. And parents love to give kids sweets: they’re used as incentives for finishing homework or trying a new food and for comforting a child in a difficult situation. Sweets are central to celebrations like holidays and birthday parties. Cultural influences also play a role. When asked if she was concerned about her child’s sugar consumption, one Austin mother said, “Part of being a kid is enjoying soda, cookies and cupcakes—I’m not going to deprive her.” Cause for Concern
Lydia Steinman, a registered dietitian and distinguished senior lecturer at UT Austin, explains the concern. “Foods high in added sugars are associated with obesity, diabetes and tooth decay. The American Heart Association (AHA) recently reported that added sugar consumption may increase your child’s risk of developing cardiovascular disease.” “Foods high in added sugars and low in nutritional value can crowd out foods that are critical to building health in a growing child,” she continues. “If your child fills up on sweetened juice and cookies after school, she may not be very interested in eating the broccoli, brown rice and chicken on her plate for dinner.”
The Weight of Sweetness
Many parents don’t realize how much added sugar their child is consuming. “Sugar comes from many different sources. It’s the added sugars that are the problem,” says
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Steinman. “Natural sugars found in food, such as lactose in milk or fructose in whole fruit, are not the culprit. Unprocessed foods are nutritionally dense and contain vitamins, minerals, fiber and other nutrients. On the other hand, added sugars in processed foods offer mostly empty calories without nutritional benefit.” What is added sugar? It’s the sweeteners added during the preparation or processing of a food. Starting in 2018, new food labeling will show the amount of sugar that has been added. Until then, follow these easy steps to understand how much added sugar your child will get from a food: 1. First, read the ingredient list. Sometimes added sugar goes by other names, such as dextrose or corn syrup. 2. Next, locate the total grams of sugar. 3. Then, calculate the number of teaspoons. Divide the total grams of sugar by 5, and you’ll see about how many teaspoons of sugar are in each serving. For children, sugar-sweetened beverages are a frequent source of added sugars. This includes soda, sports drinks and fruit drinks (as opposed to 100% fruit juice). Other common sources are cakes and cookies. You may be shocked to learn how much sugar is in your child’s favorite foods and drinks. After conducting research at a local grocery store, 8-year-old Jonas exclaimed, “I was surprised that some foods have so many teaspoons of sugar in them! Others, not so much.”
What You Can Do
The American Academy of Pediatrics endorses the AHA recommendation that children older than 2 years old consume no more than 6 teaspoons of added sugar per day. To keep added sugar in check, Steinman advises: • Limit the sodas, sports drinks and fruit drinks your child consumes. The AHA recommends a child drink no more
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Other Names for Added Sugar Here are some other names for added sugar found in the ingredient list: • High-fructose corn syrup • Brown sugar • Corn sweetener • Corn syrup • Dextrose • Fructose • Glucose • Honey • Invert sugar • Lactose • Malt syrup • Maltose • Molasses • Raw sugar • Sucrose • Trehalose • Turbinado sugar
Sugar in Grams
Sugar in Teaspoons (approximate)
Coca-Cola (1 can)
39
8
Gatorade (12 ounces)
21
4
Juicy Juice Fruit Punch (8 ounces)
26
5
Oatmeal Creme Pie
27
5
Granola bar (Oats & Honey)
12
2
HEB chocolate cake with Icing (4-inch square serving)
95
19
HEB peach pie (1 slice)
23
4
Nutella spread (2 tablespoons)
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5
Strawberry yogurt (low fat, 6 ounces)
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5
Food
Source: Information taken directly from food packaging
Source: Health.gov
than one 8-ounce sugar-sweetened beverage per week. • Choose whole fruit over fruit juice or fruit drinks. Many fruit drinks contain high amounts of added sugars, are high in calories and don’t offer the benefit of fiber from whole fruit. • Limit processed foods, such as packaged snacks. • Offer your child food from all five food groups: fruits, vegetables, grains, protein and dairy. Visit choosemyplate.gov for tips on how to optimize nutrition. • Avoid high-fructose corn syrup. Some studies link excessive levels of high-fructose corn syrup with accumulation of fat in the liver. • Pay attention to how much added sugar is in a food. Check total grams of sugar and divide by 5 to calculate teaspoons. Fifteen grams of sugar may not sound like a lot, but it’s equivalent to 3 teaspoons of sugar. That’s half of the daily recommendation. • Involve children in checking labels for added sugars. This will teach them how to make good food choices. af Brenda Schoolfield is a freelance medical writer in Austin.
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6 Tips
for Raising a Baby Who Loves Veggies 4. Frown Town
BY MALIA JACOBSON
Planning to start your baby on solid food this season? Think green: Research shows that babies who eat a wide variety of vegetables and fruits before their first birthday are more likely to be veggie-lovers at age 6. Here’s how to get more of the season’s best produce on your baby’s plate.
2. Spice is Nice
1. Salad for Two
3. Sweeten the Deal
When it comes to trying new foods, science shows that little ones are more likely to eat up if they see you enjoying the food, too. So, sit down for regular meals with your baby (another tactic that will help teach healthy mealtime routines) and serve yourself a big helping of greens. Soon enough, baby will follow suit.
Many parents believe that baby food needs to be bland, but research shows that babies prefer the flavors of foods they experienced in the womb via mom’s culinary tastes. In one study, babies preferred the taste of breastmilk after their mother had eaten garlic. So, don’t salt baby’s food (babies don’t need excess sodium) but don’t shy away from garlic, onions or aromatic spices you enjoy, like cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg. You may discover that your baby loves curry as much as you do.
New parents often hear that babies shouldn’t taste fruits before they learn to like veggies. Thankfully, that old wives’ tale is unproven. In fact, research shows that babies like vegetables more when they’re paired with something sweet. Bring on the pureed peaches!
Your baby’s expression of disgust at her first taste of strained peas makes for a shareable photo. But happily, it’s not a true indicator of her dislike for vegetables. One study shows that nearly all babies make some sort of funny face upon introduction to solid foods—95 percent squint and nearly half wrinkle their noses—but those adorably shocked expressions are fleeting. In the study, the babies who squinted ate more slowly, but after a little over a week of exposure to the new food, they learned to accept it. Interestingly, the funny expressions persisted throughout the week, even as the babies gradually ate more and more.
5. Slow Starter Don’t worry if your baby doesn’t gobble down her first serving of squash. In the same study, parents offered their baby the same vegetable over a period of eight days and found that by day eight, the baby was consuming three times as much as on the first day.
6. Stay the Course Similarly, don’t be afraid of rejection— researchers recommend offering your baby a vegetable until he rejects it three times, by pushing the food away or turning his head. After a trio of rejections, put the food away and try again the next day. Soon, your little sprout will be asking for seconds. af
Malia Jacobson is an award-winning health and parenting journalist and mom of three.
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Q
BY BETTY RICHARDSON
Nuestro hijo de 14 años llegó de la escuela y anunció que ahora es vegetariano. Esta decisión nos sorprendió, porque nunca le han gustado las verduras. ¿Por qué cree usted que un niño, al que le fascina las hamburguesas, que odia los vegetales de repente decide ser vegetariano? ¿Qué puede comer un adolescente vegetariano? ¿Mencioné que mi hijo tiene sobrepeso? ¿Usted cree que perderá peso con una dieta vegetariana? ¿Cómo puedo estar segura de que obtiene todos los nutrientes que necesita?
A
Usted pregunta por qué los niños se vuelven vegetarianos. Encontré los artículos en Internet proporcionando sólo las siguientes tres razones: 1) Son criados vegetarianos por padres vegetarianos, 2) se oponen moralmente a dañar a los animales, o 3) no les gusta el sabor de la carne. Además, sospecho que algunos niños se vuelven vegetarianos porque sus mejores amigos son vegetarianos. También, me parece posible que algunos niños pueden optar ser vegetarianos para ser diferentes y/o para recibir atención especial. ¿Qué puede comer un niño si es vegetariano? Depende del tipo de vegetariano que decide ser. El término “vegetariano” es amplio e incluye los siguientes tipos: • Vegan—Sólo come alimentos derivados de las plantas. Ningún producto de origen animal en absoluto. • Ovo-vegetariano—Come huevos, pero no productos lácteos, carne, mariscos o aves de corral. • Lacto-vegetariano—Come productos lácteos como queso y leche, pero no huevos, carne, mariscos o aves de corral.
¿Obtendrá Suficientes Nutrientes Mi Adolescente Vegetariano? • Lacto-ovo vegetariano—Come huevos y productos lácteos, pero no carne, mariscos o aves de corral. • Semi-vegetariano—Come aves de corral y/o mariscos y posiblemente huevos y productos lácteos, pero no carne roja como carne de res o de cerdo. Usted querrá aclarar con su hijo lo que piensa comer y no comer en su dieta vegetariana. Para asegurarse de que su hijo obtenga suficiente proteína; querrá servirle alimentos como yogur, frijoles y maíz, quinoa, tofu y mantequilla de cacahuate en pan de trigo. Si a él no le gusta el yogur, puede ponerlo en un licuado de frutas. Si no le gustan los frijoles y el maíz en su plato, intente frijoles refritos y queso (opcional si come queso) en una tortilla de maíz. Tenga en cuenta que cuando combina legumbres (una categoría que incluye frijoles, lentejas y cacahuates) con granos (tales como trigo, arroz o maíz) tiene una proteína complete. Semillas como la quinoa y el amaranto son también altos en proteínas. Los vegetales como la espinaca cocida o la col rizada también contienen proteínas. Investigue proteínas
para los veganos y verá una serie de otras opciones. Para apoyar su crecimiento y desarrollo, los niños que son vegetarianos necesitan fuentes dietéticas de calcio y vitamina B12, hierro, ácido graso omega 3 y yodo. Pídale a su hijo que investigue estas necesidades y las fuentes recomendadas para ellos, y hable con él sobre sus hallazgos, así como la forma en que piensa satisfacer sus necesidades alimenticias. Ustedpregunt a si él va a perder peso en una dieta vegetariano. Es posible que pierda peso, si decide comer principalmente vegetales. Por otra parte, podría subir de peso, siendo lo que yo llamo un “carbohólico”, que es obtener sus calorías de grandes porciones de alimentos dulces y carbohidratos simples tales como pan, galletas, pasteles, pizza de queso, macarrón y queso, helados, postres, etc. Una persona podría llamarse un vegetariano y rara vez o nunca tocar un vegetal. Enséñelo a cocinar si es que todavía no sabe cómo. Con su orientación, él puede tener la responsabilidad principal de su dieta especial. af
Betty Richardson, Ph.D., R.N.C., L.P.C., L.M.F.T., es una psicoterapeuta establecida en Austin que se especializa en ocuparse de los problemas de niños, adolescentes y padres.
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2017 SUMMER CAMP GUIDE SPONSORED BY:
YMCA of Greater Williamson County
austinymca.org
ymcagwc.org DAY CAMPS page 25 • OVERNIGHT CAMPS page 40 SPECIAL NEEDS CAMPS page 42 SPRING BREAK CAMPS
day camps Abrakadoodle Summer Camp
Leander, Round Rock, Georgetown 512-337-7017 www.abrakadoodle.com/tx-austin Ages 3 - 12 Art camps are fun-filled, action-packed events. Camp themes include bugs, pirates, super heroes, princesses, circus and zoo animals plus many, many more.
American Robotics
Austin metro area 512-844-2724 www.roboticsacademy.com Ages 6 – 17 Learn to design, build and test remote-controlled miniature robots. We use simple, motorized machines – all made from LEGO bricks – to demonstrate mechanical movements and other effects.
Asian American Resource Center (AARC) Summer Camps
8401 Cameron Road, Austin www.austintexas.gov/aarc 512-974-1700 Ages 5-16 Cultural Adventure Starts Here! Dive in with engaging camps exploring a range of themes including leadership, cultural awareness, expressive art, introductory coding, and environmental responsibility.
Art Camp: Cordovan Art School
Round Rock, Cedar Park, Georgetown 512-275-4040 www.cordovanartschool.com Ages 5 - 16 Unleash your inner artist this summer with camps like: Talk with the Animals, Yay Clay!, Moana’s Hawaiian Art Camp and more...
YMCA of Austin
ATX Kids Club
Multiple dropoff/pickup locations 512-234-KIDS (5437) www.atxkidsclub.org Ages 4 - 12 As a 100% mobile camp, Austin becomes our learning classroom without walls. Through daily field trips, children experience art, culture, music, history and pure fun.
Customize your Camp Guide search at austinfamily.com studying, hiking and crafts to caving and stone tool making in older classes.
Badgerdog Creative Writing Summer Camp
Several locations throughout Austin 512-542-0076 www.austinlibrary.org
Austin Aquarium Summer Camps
Seahorse Camp, Stingray Camp & Shark Camp 13530 N Hwy 183, Austin 512-222-5586 www.austinaquarium.com Ages 4 – 7, 8 – 12, 13 – 18, respectively Your child will be diving into fun for summer. Learn about sea animals, hands on experience, all levels matched with age.
Austin Film Festival
512-478-4795 www.austinfilmfestival.com Ages 9 - 18 Rocking workshops that promise to teach, inspire, and help kids and young adults create their own fabulous funny, thought-provoking, heart-breaking, award-winning (you never know!) short films.
Austin Girls Choir
512-453-0884 www.girlschoir.com Ages 8 – 16 Austin Girls Choir camps include instruction on vocal skills, note reading, basic harmony and fun songs, with simple choreography.
Austin Nature and Science Center
2389 Stratford Dr, Austin 512-974-3880 www.austintexas.gov/ansc Ages 4 – 13 Programs for children in an environmentally education-based curriculum. From nature
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2017 SUMMER CAMP GUIDE Ages 3rd – 12th grade Led by professional writers, campers discover and practice the arts of poetry and storytelling in a low-pressure, fun environment and become published authors.
Band Aid School of Music Guitar Legends Spring Break Camp
2309 Thornton Rd., Austin 512-730-0592 www.bandaidschoolofmusic.com/ sign-up-now/ Campers will learn riffs, licks and solos from players like Robert Johnson, Chuck Berry, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Jimi Hendrix, Slash, Prince, Jennifer Batten, Eddie Van Halen, Jack White, Orianthi and more.
Bits, Bytes & Bots Computer Adventures
Various Austin-Area locations 512-415-4120 www.austintx.bitsbytesbots.com Ages 6 – 14 Offering fun and educational week-long, half-day technology camps in game creation, movie-making, robotics, Scratch programming, Kodu Game Lab programming and Minecraft®. Low student to instructor ratio.
Bricks 4 Kidz ATX
Multiple greater Austin locations 512-270-9003 www.bricks4kidz.com/atx Ages 5 – 13 Build LEGO® models that move! Our themed enrichment camps feature motorized
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building, crafts, games and creative building time. Campers take home LEGO® mini-figures or accessory packs.
Camp Avalanche at Chaparral Ice Center
2525 W. Anderson Ln. #400, Austin 512-252-8500 x 160 www.chaparralice.com Ages 7 - 14 Our campers fill their days swimming, going to the park, going on field trips, doing arts and crafts and—of course—ice skating!
Camp De Champs at Chaparral Ice Center
2525 W. Anderson Ln. #400, Austin 512-252-8500 x 160 www.chaparralice.com Ages 6 - 13 Camp De Champs offers 11 weeks of figure skating and hockey skating instruction. Kids receive two lessons daily, as well as public skating time, off-ice training, goal setting, arts and crafts and a new, optional performance recital on Thursday evening of each week.
Camp Doublecreek
800 Doublecreek Dr., Round Rock 512-255-3661 www.campdoublecreek.com Ages 4 – 14 Camp Doublecreek is Austin/Round Rock’s Best Day Camp for 45+ years. It is an activitybased camp with free transportation fro 12 different locations.
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Central Texas Writing Camp
San Marcos and Austin 512-245-3680 www.hr.txstate.edu/worklife/familyfriendly Ages 6 – 18 Your camper will explore various writing styles, be inspired to explore new writing styles.
Challenger School
Avery Ranch, Pond Springs and Round Rock 512-341-8000, 512-258-1299, 512-255-8844 www.challengerschool.com Ages PreK - 8th grade Our students learn to think for themselves and to value independence. Results are unmatched.
Chinese with Meggie
Hyde Park and Westlake 512-380-9552 www.chinesewithmeggie.com Ages 3 - 8 This full Chinese immersion summer camp features a different theme every week for kids to explore with crafts, games and activities. No previous Chinese experience needed.
Coding with Kids
Multiple locations, see website info-austin@codingwithkids.com www.codingwithkids.com Ages 5 - 16
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2017 SUMMER CAMP GUIDE Game development in Scratch to Minecraft modding, our STEM-focused camps are a fun, creative way to develop real 21st century skills. Imagine. Code. Play!
Country Home Learning Center
6900 Escarpment Blvd., Austin 512-288-8220 13120 U.S. Hwy. 183 N., Austin 512-331-1441 www.countryhomelearningcenter.com Ages 5 - 13 Children must have finished grade K to attend our summer camp program and field trips. (All ages, starting at 6 weeks, accepted for our year-round program.) Join us for an incredible summer camp experience, featuring child approved special events, exciting weekly field trips and kids’ choice special interest clubs.
Dance Discovery
Central Austin and Avery Ranch 512-419-7611, 512-658-2996 www.dancediscovery.com www.averyranchdance.com Ages 3 - 14 Various themed camps include storytime ballet, jazz, hip hop, gymnastics, musical theatre, and drama-set design. Each camp week ends with a great show!
Digital Media
Locations in Austin www.digitalmedia.com 866-656-3342 Ages 6 - 17 Empowering the next generation of
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tech makers + thinkers. Learn programming, filmmaking, music production, robotics and more.
Estancia Art Camp
12703 Hwy 71, Bee Caves 512-580-2999 www.estanciaart.com Ages 4 and up Kids are introduced to plaster sculpture, acrylic painting on canvas and wet clay. Great art experiences.
Extend-A-Care for Kids Summer Day Camp
Locations in AISD, DVISD and HCISD 512-472-9402 www.eackids.org Ages 3 - 12 Weekly sessions consisting of sports, field trips, swimming, cooking, games and puzzles, reading, arts and crafts and more. Weekly themes are based on children’s literature.
Fantastic Magic Camp
Austin metro area 512-850-4677 www.magiccamp.com Ages 5 – 12 Kids discover their unique inner magic through learning magic tricks. Campers are surrounded by people, both young and old, who recognize and embrace that uniqueness.
Fun2Learn Code
Round Rock and Austin, watch for more 512-900-8380 www.fun2learncode.com Ages 7 and up Half-day and full-day computer programming camps, including Minecraft Mods in Java, Scratch programming, Python, video game design, web development, robotics, circuits and stop motion animation.
Fusion Academy Austin
4701 Bee Caves Rd., Austin 512-330-0188 www.fusionsummerclass.com Grades 6 - 12 Finally, a summer school that won’t take away your summer fun! Catch up, get ahead or try something new. All taught one-to-one: one student to one teacher, always.
Girls Empowerment Network-campGEN
901 Trinity St. Austin 512-808-4044 ext. 104 www.genaustin.org Ages 4 - 8th grade campGEN girls participate in fun, interactive workshops during weeklong sessions that are designed to help girls feel more confident as they navigate girlhood. Girls will gain new skills, new friendships and a new sense of self!
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2017 SUMMER CAMP GUIDE GRIT
www.grit.training/youth-summer-camps/ Ages 5 - 18 These young athletes will learn the proper technique of Functional Movements such as squatting, pushups, pullups, pressing, running, jumping, etc.
Girlstart Summer Camp
1400 W. Anderson Ln., Austin 512-916-4775 www.girlstart.org Rising 4th - 8th grades Girlstart summer camp allows girls to explore science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) in a fun, informal environment and equips them with STEM skills they will use for life. Girlstart’s camp provides
unique experiences that develop a strong conceptual understanding of STEM subjects and increases participants’ interest in STEM activities and careers.
Hands-On Science
6001 W. Parmer Ln., Austin info@thescholarship.rocks 512-333-4684 www.thescholarship.rocks Ages 7 - 12 The Scholar Ship’s hands-on science camps are $275/week, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Includes snacks and drinks. Lunch and before/after care options.
Heartsong
2700 W. Anderson Ln., Austin 512-371-9506 www.heartsongmusic.net Ages up to 9 Join us spring and summer for our Music Together classes for children and their caregivers.
iD Tech Camp
St. Edward’s, The University of Texas at Austin, Texas Hillel & more 844-788-1858 www.idtech.com/austin Ages 6 – 18 Code, game, and create at the world’s #1 summer technology camp! Learn to code apps, design video games, mod Minecraft, engineer robots, discover cyber security, build websites, print 3D models, and more. Register online.
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Iron Horse Country Camp
Austin 512-917-5733 www.ironhorsecountry.com Ages 8 - 15 Weekly Day & (1)Overnight Camp. Our staff is highly trained for teaching children to ride safely. We supply all motorcycles, gear and training. Beginners to advanced riders welcomed.
Jump Gymnastics!
2911 Manchaca Rd., Austin 2117 Anderson Ln., Austin 512-593-6226 www.jump-austin.com Ages 3 - 10 Voted Austin Family Magazine’s Most Fun Camp in 2011, 2014, 2015. Theme-based gymnastics, games, activities, arts and crafts keep kids coming back.
KidsActing Spring Break and Summer Camps
16 Locations throughout Austin metro 512-836-5437 www.kidsactingstudio.com Ages 3 - 19 KidsActing’s award-winning camps feature full-scale musical or play productions, Triple Threat Musical, Glee! and Adventures in Acting. Creative Kids for ages 4 - 8 are introduction to the performing arts.
Kids Kitchen
1514 Dandridge Drive, Cedar Park 512- 799-8301 www.txkidskitchen.com
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2017 SUMMER CAMP GUIDE Ages 4 and up Kids Kitchen camps are designed to spark children’s curiosity and creativity in the kitchen. Weekly themes include math, science and art. Come cook with us!
Kids With Pens
East and South Austin 323-807-3672 www.kidswithpens.org Ages 8 - 14 Spring Break Camp on Saturday, March 18. Campers craft stories, poems and plays. This summer we’re offering a new graphic novel class. All campers will be published on the Kids With Pens blog.
Kidventure
Westlake, Steiner Ranch, Lakeway 512-263-8992 www.kidventure.com Ages 3 - 12 Ignite your child’s passion with games, sports, adventures and getting as wet as possible. Build self-confidence, learn responsibility and instill courage.
Latinitas
4926 E. Cesar Chavez St., Austin 512-900-0304 www.laslatinitas.com Girls ages 9 - 14 Cine Chica Camp: July 10 - 14 Fashion Forward Camp: July 17 - 21
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Tech Chica Camp: July 24 - 28 Healthy Chica Camp: July 31 - Aug 4 We operate Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Girls will learn valuable media and tech skills, produce multimedia projects and express themselves in a welcoming environment.
Layla y la Ballena Spanish Immersion
8707 Mountain Crest Dr., Austin 2700 W. Anderson Ln., Austin 107 Ranch Rd. 620 S. #200, Lakeway. 512-299-5731, 512-299-5732, 512-466-2409 www.austinbilingualschool.com Ages 2 – 11 Children join together to make the story “Leyla y la Ballena” come to life. Every week is dedicated to a theme, which is taught in an enthusiastic, fun-filled environment.
Little Medical School
10691 RR 2222, Ste. R189, Austin 512-271-2002 x800 www.littlemedicalschool.com Ages 6 - 10 Little Medical School brings medicine, science, and the importance of health to children in an entertaining, exciting, and fun way.
Mad Science
Locations throughout Austin metro 512-892-1143
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www.austin.madscience.org Ages 4 - 12 Mad Science camps are filled with exciting, fun, hands-on science activities. Children become junior scientists for the week and experience a variety of science adventures.
Main Event Entertainment
13301 Hwy 183 N., Austin 512-401-0000 www.mainevent.com Ages 8 – 15 Our summer FUNcamps are a great way for youth to learn effective leadership skills, practice the art of bowling and have amazing fun in our 50,000 square foot center.
Maximum Martial Arts Academy Summer Camp
Moolah U
Locations throughout Austin 512-443-8851 www.moolahu.com Ages 7 – 18 Kids learn how to make and appreciate money by starting their own business.
Nitro Swim
Cedar Park/Round Rock, Bee Cave 512-259-7999 www.nitroswim.com Ages 6 months and up The indoor Nitro Swim Center offers the highest quality swim lessons, non-competitive and competitive swimming around. Learn to wakeboard, kneeboard and
6929 Airport Blvd. #146, Austin 512-371-8989 www.maxtkdyoga.com Ages 6 - 12 Packed with martial arts, Nerf Gun wars, dodgeball and Legos, daily field trips, swimming, snow cones, Alamo Drafthouse, Six Flags, Hawaiian Falls and more.
McKinney Roughs Nature Camp
McKinney Roughs Nature Park 512-303-5073 www.lcra.org/naturecamp Ages 5 – 15 Explore the outdoors and learn about wilderness skills and native plants and animals. Older campers enjoy swimming, a challenge course and raft trips.
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2017 SUMMER CAMP GUIDE water-ski in a fun, supportive environment from our experienced and professional staff. No equipment or experience is necessary.
One World Theatre Summer Camp Missoula Children’s Theatre’s Jack & the Beanstalk
7701 Bee Cave Rd., Austin 512-330-9500 www.oneworldtheatre.org Ages 5 – 18 At Camp One World, campers audition on Monday for roles, have a week full of activities and rehearsals, and on Saturday perform in costume with lines, singing & dancing on the One World Stage.
Paramount Academy for the Arts
Downtown Paramount Theatre and South Austin 512-692-0526 www.austintheatre.org/camps Ages 1st -10th grades Make lifelong memories on the Paramount stage. Four sessions downtown. Additional north and south locations offering Camp Story Wranglers, technique intensives, song writing, comedy, and film acting.
Play-Well STEM Engineering Camps
Rec centers in Austin metro, iQuest Global Enrichment and Dragon’s Lair Comics 512-757-4371 www.play-well.org Ages 5 - 12 Play-Well provides engineering programs to children using LEGO Materials. We explore
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concepts in physics, architecture and engineering. We have been growing future engineers since 1997.
Rio Vista Farm
13013 Fallwell Ln., Del Valle 512-247-2302 www.riovistafarm.net Ages 7 - 16 Austin’s originator of English riding camps. Daily lessons taught by professional trainers, lots of horse time/care, arts and crafts and swimming for hotter afternoons. Friday horse shows for parents to attend.
Scholar Ship
6001 W. Parmer Ln., Austin 512-333-4684 www.thescholarship.rocks/products/camps Ages 7 – 12 The Scholar Ship’s stellar science camps are $275/week. Monday-Friday, 9-4 pm. Includes snacks and drinks. Lunch and before/after care options.
Smith Academy Austin
11530 Manchaca Rd., Austin 512-282-7739 www.smithacademyaustin.com Grades K - 5 Kids will enjoy daily Gym & Swim in our indoor heated pool and weekly field trips, as well as group activities and arts and crafts.
Smudge Studios ARTrageous Summer Camp
500 West 38th St., Austin 512-777-1742 www.smudgestudiosaustin.com Ages 5 - 11 Offering two sessions, each with its own theme, Monday-Friday: 9 a.m. to noon and/ or 1 to 4 p.m. Option to stay all day. Camp starts June 5.
Sherwood Forest Summer Camp
1883 Old Hwy 20, McDade 512-222-6680 www.sherwoodforestsummercamp.com Ages 7 – 15 and Grown-ups Dragons 7-9, Druids 10-12, Knights 13-15, Grown-up Camp: 21+ Campers will be transported back in time to a world of knights, ladies, and a simpler way of life. Campers will work with their hands to create useful tools and learn skills that were essential to daily living in the medieval era. No modern entertainment devices will be available.
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2017 SUMMER CAMP GUIDE Spicewood Country Camp
6102 Spicewood Springs Rd., Austin 512-346-2992 www.spicewoodcountry.com Ages 3½ – 10 Nine shady acres in northwest Austin with animals, music, swimming, crafts, sports and horseback riding.
St. Andrews Summer Camp
1112 W. 31st St., Austin 512-299-9700 www.sasaustin.org Ages 4 – 18 Camps for artists, athletes, scientists, m, chess enthusiasts, cooks and more.
Stepping Stone School at the Brainery!
17 locations in the Austin area 512-459-0258 www.steppingstoneschool.com Ages 5 - 13 Join us for our “Tinseltown” Spring Break Camp and our “Pioneers and Explorers” Summer Break Camp. Limited availability. Visit our website for full details.
Summer Spark
Headwaters Schools, Austin 512-593-5393 www.summerspark.com Ages 1st – 6th grades With packed schedules, powerful
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media everywhere, and performance pressure on schools, we believe that a fundamental component of a strong foundation is missing in the lives of many children today.
Summer Wonders
3901 Shoal Creek Blvd., Austin 512-206-4070 www.summerwonders.org Grades pre-K - 8 Summer Wonders is a unique experience for bright and gifted children who like to be immersed in high-interest topics and enjoy being around like-minded peers.
Summer Youth Workshop
with The Baron’s Men Theatre 7400 Coldwater Canyon Dr., Austin www.thebaronsmen.org Ages 9 - 18 July 10-15, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Students learn stagecraft, experience the world of Shakespeare and perform a show for their families at the amazing Curtain Theater.
Swim Safe Schools
10700 Anderson Mill Rd. Suite 207, Austin 1401 Town Center Drive, Suite 100, Pflugerville www.safesplash.com/
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anderson-mill-road 512-879-4300 All ages Beyond giving you peace of mind that your child is safe, swimming lessons give kids the opportunity to feel pride, confidence, and develop socially.
Switchwillo Stables Summer Camp
4829 Switch Willo Rd., Austin 512-920-0554 www.switchwillo.com/camp All ages and skill levels We educate riders in a relaxed, supportive learning environment emphasizing safety in a tree shaded ring. They learn grooming, tacking up, and bathing of the horse or pony selected for your child.
Synergy Dance
2314 Bee Cave Rd. #C1, Austin 512-327-4130 www.synergydancestudio.com Ages 2 and up Dance camps include ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop, also included are tumbling, theatre, crafts and a performance on Fridays. Dance intensives for beginner to advanced.
TechShop Design & Build Summer Camp
1200 Sundance Pkwy, Ste. 350, Round Rock 512-900-4664 techshop.ws/summercamp.html Ages 8 – 17 Design and build a Kano computer. A project designed for children to learn the basics of computer science.
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2017 SUMMER CAMP GUIDE TexARTS Summer Camps
2300 Lohman’s Spur #160, Lakeway 512-852-9079 ext 104 www.tex-arts.org Ages 2 - 18 Musical theatre, dance and visual arts camps including a musical theatre intensive, weekly “best of” musicals, mini camps for ages 2 - 4 and visual arts camps.
The Magnolia School
2903 RR 620, Lake Travis 512-266-9620 www.themagnoliaschoolatx.com Ages 3 - 11 Full or part time camps, featuring morning academic booster with language arts and handwriting, reading and math. Plus afternoon weekly themed camp activities. 7:30-5:30, Monday through Friday.
Thinkery Camps
Thinkery, National Instruments, The Magellan School, Valley View Elementary www.thinkeryaustin.org 512-469-6201 Grades pre-K - 5 Tinker! Create! Code! Thinkery Camps spark curiosity and inspire innovation through hands-on fun and inquiry-led learning. Week-long camps offered at four locations across Austin.
Tinkering Teachers
5701 Cameron Rd., Austin 512-698-6269 www.tinkerteachers.com
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Campers enjoy STEAM investigations, hands-on learning, crafts, literacy connections and more.
Wanna Play
4500 E. Palm Valley Blvd., Round Rock 14010 N. Hwy 183, Austin 512-345-PLAY and 512-258-PLAY www.wannaplayplaycare.com Ages 6 wks - 12 yrs A place where kids want to be. Kids bring imagination, we bring the fun.
Westlake Chinese Academy Language and Arts Camps
1460 Redbud Tr., West Lake Hills www.westlakechineseacademy.org 737-247-1533 Ages 4 - 18 Learn Chinese in an immersive language environment through arts, games, singing and more. Includes Chinese calligraphy, water coloring, paper cutting, origami and traditional music instruments.
Wet & Wild Adventure Camp
Pickups at Mo-Pac/Duval, Mo-Pac/Enfield, Mo-Pac/Hwy 290W 512-771-3188 www.wetwildcamp.com Ages 6 - 15 Field trip camp, 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., with different locations and swimming every day. Junior camp ages 6-9. Adventure camp ages 9-15. $360 for everything but lunch.
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2017 SUMMER CAMP GUIDE YMCA of Austin Summer Day Camp
22 locations throughout Travis, Hays and Bastrop counties 512-236-9622 www.austinymca.org Ages 4 - 14 Safe and enriching summer day camps. Enjoy field trips, swimming, games and more in a character rich environment with the YMCA of Austin.
YMCA Williamson County
Hutto 512-846-2360, Burnet 512-756-6180, Cedar Park 512-250-9622, Round Rock 512-615-5563 www.ymcagwc.org Outdoor Adventure Camps K - 8th grade, Excursion Camps K - 6th grade,
Specialty Camps K - 8th grade, Kinder Camps, 3 years - K At the Y, we offer a wide array of summer camp options and activities that are designed to make summer fun, exciting, convenient and safe.
OVERNIGHT camps Camp Eagle
6424 Hackberry Rd., Rocksprings 830-683-3219 www.campeagle.org Ages 1st – 12th grade
Our mission is to inspire Christ-like change through outdoor adventure, authentic relationships and Biblical truth.
Camp Forest Glen
34 Forest Glen Rd. Huntsville 936-295-7641 www.forestglen.org All ages Through outdoor learning kids learn to respect nature and create team building skills. “Providing an environment where people can encounter God.”
Camp Lantern Creek for Girls
4045 N. FM 1486, Montgomery 936-597-8225 www.camplanterncreek.com A unique girls sleep away summer camp that was created so girls can create their art, find their voice, try new skills, be cheered on whether they succeed or not, get dirty, push boundaries, love nature and so much more.
Camp Olympia
On Lake Livingston 723 Olympia Dr., Trinity 936-594-2541 www.campolympia.com Ages 6 - 16 Established in 1968, Camp Olympia is a private, overnight Texas summer camp for boys and girls ages 6-16 offering one-, twoand three-week sessions.
Camp Stewart for Boys
612 FM 1340, Hunt 830-238-4670 www.campstewart.com Boys ages 6 - 16 “Low-tech,” wholesome fun, growth, 70-plus activities. Ragsdale family-owned, operated. Outstanding role model counselors, worldwide enrollent, home-style cooking. North Fork, Guadalupe River.
Heart O’ the Hills Camp
2430 Hwy 39, Hunt 830-238-4650 www.hohcamp.com Girls age 6 - 16 Care-free all-girls atmosphere, Guadalupe River, air-conditioned. Family style dining. Worldwide enrollment, personable! More than 40 activities. Ragsdale family owned, operated.
Kidventure Overnight
Safari, Echo, and APEX Hunt, Rocksprings, and Pecos River 512-263-8992 www.kidventure.com Safari for ages 8 – 12, Echo 13 – 16 and APEX 17 – 18. Kidventure provides kids with opportunities to learn important life lessons through adventure, teamwork and just pure fun.
Mo-Ranch Summer Camp
Hunt, Texas 800-460-4401, ext. 253 www.summercamp.moranch.org Ages 8 – 15 We are a co-ed residential Christian camp where your child will grow in character, faith and confidence through meaningful relationships in a Christ-centered natural setting.
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Newk’s Summer Tennis Academy
325 Mission Valley Rd., New Braunfels 830-625-9105
www.newktennis.com/summer-academy Ages 8 - 18 This program is designed to accommodate any level tournament tennis player. Players are required to attend at least three of the eight weeks to ensure he or she experiences the ultimate academy training environment.
Riverview Girls Camp
Mentone, Alabama 800-882-0722 www.riverviewcamp.com Girls ages 6 – 16 Recognized as one of the South’s favorite allaround summer camps for girls, Riverview’s Christian emphasis and exciting programs are appreciated by both parents and campers.
Rocky River Ranch
Wimberley, Texas 512-847-2513 www.rockyriverranch.com Girls ages 7 - 14 Our camp will enrich your daughter’s childhood with a sense of accomplishment and independence, while offering her a treasure of wonderful memories she’ll carry for a lifetime.
Sugar & Spice Ranch Camp
Bandera, TX 830-460-8487 www.texashorsecamps.com Ages 5 and up Bonding mothers and daughters through horses. You and your daughter will own horses for a week and do everything together as a team. All-inclusive week-long session and a great way to reconnect with each other.
T Bar M Camps
New Braunfels (grades K - 6) Lake Travis (grades 7 - 11) 830-620-4263 www.tbarm.org T Bar M Camp is a Christian summer camp that builds self-esteem and gives kids a sense of independence, all while growing their faith.
Texas Adventure Camp
325 Mission Valley Rd., New Braunfels 830-625-9105 www.newktennis.com/ outback-texas-adventure-camp Ages 9 - 16 Don’t think of coming to the “Outback” Adventure Camp unless you are looking for an action packed, exciting week of fun and adventurous challenges. 50-foot swings, canoeing, zipline, rock climbing and more.
Rio Vista for Boys
Ingram, Texas 830-367-5353 www.vistacamps.com Boys Age - 6-16 Camp Rio Vista for boys offer over 40 exciting and challenging activities that campers choose from. Every camper gets to choose 8 or 9 activities depending on the term that make up their personalized schedule. This allows each boy to focus on the activities and skills he is most interested in developing.
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2017 SUMMER CAMP GUIDE Sierra Vista for Girls
Ingram, Texas 830-367-5353 www.vistacamps.com Girls Age - 6-16 Sierra Vista for girls offer over 40 exciting and challenging activities that campers choose from. Every camper gets to choose 8 or 9 activities depending on the term that make up their personalized schedule. This allows each girl to focus on the activities and skills she is most interested in developing.
YMCA Twin Lakes Overnight Camp
204 E. Little Elm Trail, Cedar Park Grades 3rd - 8th New cabins have bathrooms and A/C. Experienced counselors, nutritious meals and new friends. All the activities you love and a whole lot more!
Special Needs Camps Inquiring Minds
3901 Shoal Creek Blvd., Austin 512-203-4540 www.inquiringminds-austin.org Ages 4 - 13 A program for gifted students to explore diverse subjects through an integrated, hands-on approach.
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BY ROCIO BARBOSA
Holy Week
Today I want to tell you how most Mexican children celebrate Holy Week. In particular, I will tell you about a town called Ixtlan del Rio Nayarit. Frida Elizabeth is my ambassador today. She is a 10-year-old girl living in the village. She tells me that in Mexico, the days of Holy Week are days of obligation and reflection, not parties. These are the days in which Jesus endured his ordeal leading up to the crucifixion. She told me that she and her parents go to see The Judea (The Way of the Cross), a play performed outside the church depicting the life and death of Jesus. The play spans three days: Thursday, Friday and Holy Saturday. Each day, it begins at 4 p.m. and ends at 7 p.m. I was impressed to think of sitting for three hours each day. Frida told me the audience is not uncomfortable, because the play reminds them, step by step, the life and death of Jesus. At the end of the play, the attendees stay in the village square, and enjoy snacks such as corn, chips, ice pops, and other foods. I love talking to Frida and hearing how children celebrate the Holy Week. Rocio Barbosa, madre de dos, vive en Round Rock.
BY ROCIO BARBOSA
Semana Santa Hoy les quiero platicar de la manera en que celebran la Semana Santa algunos niños mexicanos. En particular, les platicare de un pueblo llamado Ixtlan del Rio Nayarit. Frida Elizabeth es la protagonista de esta jornada. Ella es una niña de 10 años de edad que vive en el pueblo. Me platico que la Semana Santa son días de guardar y de reflexión, y de no hacer fiestas. Estos son los días en los que Jesús tuvo su calvario que conduce a la crucifixión. Me dijo que ella y sus padres acuden a ver la Judea (Viacrucis), una obra de teatro que se presenta afuera de la iglesia en la cual personifican la vida y muerte de Jesucristo y que dura tres días— jueves, viernes y Sábado Santo. Cada día, empieza a las cuatro de la tarde y termina a las 7 de la noche. Yo me impresioné de pensar estar sentados tres horas cada día. Frida me dijo que no se enfada, porque la obra les recuerda, paso a paso, la vida y la muerte de Jesús. Al terminar la obra, se quedan en la plaza del pueblo de Ixtlan del Rio, en donde hay muchos puestos de antojitos, como elotes cocidos, papitas doradas, paletas de hielo y comida tradicional. Me encanto platicar con Frida y saber como los niños celebran la Semana Santa.
PIENSA POSITIVO
by Leslie Montoya, life coach and host of Despierta Austin
Conformismo vs. Plenitud
La diferencia entre el conformismo y plenitud puede ser confusa. Cuando nos conformamos con lo que nos ofrece la vida, nuestro entusiasmo por experimentar situaciones nuevas se adormece, aceptando la realidad que se antepone. Mientras que la plenitud nos muestra la realidad pero con un sentir de felicidad y paz consigo mismo. Ambos estados emocionales parecen darnos la conclusión de algún esfuerzo. La manera de distinguirlos es preguntándote, ¿Estoy realmente contento con lo que logre? Eventualmente, el conformismo detiene nuestro crecimiento—lo que no crece, con el tiempo muere. ¡Piensa positivo!
Conformity vs. Satisfaction
The difference between conformity and satisfaction can be confusing. When we conform to what life offers us, our enthusiasm for new situations goes dormant, and we accept the reality before us. But satisfaction gives us reality along with a feeling of happiness and peace. Both emotional states seem to be reached after some effort on our part. To distinguish them, ask yourself: Am I truly happy with what I achieve? In the end, conformity stops our growth—and with time, what does not grow, dies. Think positive!
Rocio Barbosa, madre de dos, vive en Round Rock.
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March
2017 calendar
Compiled by BETTY KEMPER
Museum Exhibits pg 44
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Family Events pg 44
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Parenting Events pg 48 •
Story Times pg 49
++ Denotes event occurs on multiple dates
Museum Exhibits PURCHASED LIVES: THE AMERICAN SLAVE TRADE Through July 9. Bullock Museum, 1800 N. Congress Ave. thestoryoftexas.com or 512-936-8746. FINDING REFUGE IN AUSTIN Through Sep. 10. Austin History Center, 810 Guadalupe St. library.austintexas.gov or 512-974-7480.
Family Events WEDNESDAY 1 Ash Wednesday
SPROUTS ++
10 to 11 a.m. Johnson Wildflower Center, 4801 La Crosse Ave. Free with admission. wildflower.org or 512-232-0100. KAWAII CLUB 4:30 to 5:15 p.m. Pflugerville Library, 1008 W. Pfluger St., Pflugerville. FREE. pflugervilletx.gov or 512-990-6375. COMMUNITY NIGHT ++ 5 to 8 p.m. The Thinkery, 1830 Simond Ave. By donation. thinkeryaustin.org or 512-469-6218.
THURSDAY 2 LIVING HISTORY DAYS 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bullock Museum, 1800 N. Congress Ave. FREE with pre-registration. thestoryoftexas.com or 512-936-8746. STARRY NIGHTS 5:30 to 7 p.m. Girlstart, 1400 W. Anderson Ln. FREE. girlstart.org or 512-916-4775.
CRAFTERNOON 3:30 p.m. Manchaca Road Branch Library, 5500 Manchaca Rd. library.austintexas.gov or 512-974-8700. STAR PARTY ++ 8 p.m. Texas Museum of Science and Technology, 1220 Toro Grande Dr. FREE. txmost.org or 512-961-5333. CONTINUING: Sprouts see Wednesday 1.
SATURDAY 4 FLEA MARKET DAYS All day. Veterans’ Memorial Park, 109 Depot St., Elgin. FREE. elgintx.com. IT’S MY PARK DAY All day. Over 100 park improvement projects, all over the city. FREE. austinparks.org or 512-477-1566. MIGHTY TEXAS DOG WALK 10 a.m. Austin American-Statesman, 305 S. Congress Ave. roadwayevents.com.
LOVE CONCERT 4 p.m. Oak Hill United Methodist Church, 7815 W. Hwy. 290. FREE (Donation appreciated). classicalmusicfortheworld.org. CONTINUING: BBQ Austin see Friday 3.
SUNDAY 5
ZILKER KITE FESTIVAL 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Zilker Park, 2033 Lou Neff Rd. FREE. abckitefestival.org.
MADRONE CANYON HIKE 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Laura’s Library, 9411 Bee Cave Rd. FREE. westbanklibrary.com or 512-327-3045. ROUND ROCK AREA POKÉMON CLUB ++ 9 to 10:30 a.m. Round Rock Library, 216 E. Main St., Round Rock. FREE. roundrocktexas. gov or 512-218-3275. FAMILY FARM DAYS 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Green Gate Farms, 8310 Canoga Ave. $10. greengatefarms.net or 512-484-2746. EXPLORE UT DAY 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. University of Texas at Austin. FREE. utexas.edu or 512 471 7753.
GIANT CHESS ++ 12:30 to 3 p.m. Wooldridge Square Park, 900 Guadalupe St. FREE. giantchess.org.
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TEEN JOB FAIR 2 to 4 p.m. Pflugerville Library, 1008 W. Pfluger St., Pflugerville. FREE. pflugervilletx.gov or 512-990-6375.
ROUND ROCK MARKET DAYS 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Central Plaza, 301 W. Bagdad, Round Rock. FREE. roundrocktexas. gov or 512-924-2327.
FRIDAY 3
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SEUSS ON THE LOOSE! 2 to 4 p.m. Bee Cave Library, 4000 Galleria Pkwy. FREE. beecavetexas.com.
MOSSFEST CHILDREN’S CONCERT 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Zilker Park, 2206 William Barton Dr. FREE. mosspierattfoundation.org.
BISCUIT 12 p.m. One World Theatre, 7701 Bee Caves Rd. $9–12. oneworldtheatre.org or 512-330-9500.
BBQ AUSTIN 11 a.m. Travis County Expo Center, 7311 Decker Lane. $8 adult; $5 child; children 2 and under FREE. rodeoaustin.com.
COURTHOUSE TOURS ++ 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Williamson Museum, 716 S. Austin Ave., Georgetown. FREE. williamsonmuseum.org or 512-943-1670.
HEART OF TEXAS REGATTA ++ 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Festival Beach, 2101 Jesse E. Segovia St. FREE. austintexas.gov.
MOVIE NIGHT: DOCTOR STRANGE (PG-13) 6 to 7:45 p.m. Pflugerville Library, 1008 W. Pfluger St., Pflugerville. FREE. pflugervilletx.gov or 512-990-6375. COWBOY BREAKFAST 6 a.m. The Long Center, 701 W. Riverside Dr. FREE. rodeoaustin.com.
TALES OF TENALI 1 p.m. Scottish Rite Theater, 207 W. 18th St. scottishritetheater.org.
TALES OF TENALI 11 a.m. Scottish Rite Theater, 207 W. 18th St. scottishritetheater.org. FREE SKATE LESSONS ++ 11 to 11:45 a.m. Playland Skate Center, 8822 McCann Dr. $8. playlandskatecenter.com or 512-452-1901. MARDI GRAS PARADE 12 to 12:30 p.m. Belvin St., Downtown San Marcos. FREE. ci.san-marcos.tx.us or 512-296-9422. FREE FIRST SUNDAYS 12 to 5 p.m. Bullock Museum, 1800 N. Congress Ave. FREE. thestoryoftexas.com or 512-936-8746. GAME ON! BOARD GAMES ++ 1 to 5:30 p.m. Pflugerville Library, 1008 W. Pfluger St., Pflugerville. FREE. pflugervilletx.gov or 512-990-6375. SUNDAY FUNDAY 1 to 4 p.m. Neill-Cochran House Museum, 2310 San Gabriel St. FREE. nchmuseum.org or 512 -478-2335.
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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MUSEUM TOUR 1 to 4 p.m. Heritage House Museum, 901 Old Austin Hutto Rd., Pflugerville. FREE. pflugervilletx.org or 512-990-6337.
TRUE NORTH HOMESCHOOLERS 12 to 2 p.m. Round Rock Library, 216 E. Main St., Round Rock. FREE. roundrocktexas.gov or 512-218-3275.
BLUEGRASS JAM! ++ 2 to 4 p.m. Leander Library, 1011 South Bagdad, Leander. FREE. leandertx.gov or 512-259-5259. CONTINUING: Courthouse Tours see Saturday 4; Heart of Texas Regatta see Saturday 4.
KIDS CRAFTERNOONS 2 to 4 p.m. Pflugerville Library, 1008 W. Pfluger St., Pflugerville. FREE. pflugervilletx.gov or 512-990-6375.
TUESDAY 7 NATIONAL PANCAKE DAY All day. International House of Pancakes. Locations everywhere. Donations to charity. HOMESCHOOL KIDS 2 to 3 p.m. Pflugerville Library, 1008 W. Pfluger St., Pflugerville. FREE. pflugervilletx.gov or 512-990-6375. TABLETOP TUESDAY 5:30 p.m. Faulk Central Library, 800 Guadalupe St. FREE. library.austintexas.gov or 512-974-7400.
WEDNESDAY 8
International Women’s Day CONTINUING: Community Night see Wednesday 1; Sprouts see Wednesday 1.
THURSDAY 9 Purim Begins
LITTLE TEXANS 10 a.m. Bullock Museum, 1800 N. Congress Ave. FREE with admission. thestoryoftexas.com.
CRAFTERNOON 3 p.m. Carver Branch Library, 1161 Angelina St. FREE. library.austintexas.gov or 512-974-1010. MOVIES IN THE PARK: ALADDIN (G) 7 to 10 p.m. Patterson Park, 4200 Brookview Rd. FREE. austinparks.org.
FRIDAY 10 HOMESCHOOL DAY 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pioneer Farms, 10621 Pioneer Farms Dr. $5 adult; $4 child. pioneerfarms.org or 512-837-1215. LLANO EARTH ART FESTIVAL AND WORLD ROCKSTACKING CHAMPIONSHIP ++ 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Grenwelge Park, 199 E. Haynie St., Llano. Adults $5 in advance. llanoearthartfestival.org. CONTINUING: Sprouts see Wednesday 1; Star Party see Friday 3.
SATURDAY 11 RODEO AUSTIN ++ All day. Travis County Expo Center, 7311 Decker Ln. rodeoaustin.com or 512-854-9200.
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PEDAL THRU THE PINES 9 a.m. Bastrop State Park, 100 Park Rd. 1A, Bastrop. FREE. pedalthrupines.org. GUIDED HIKES AT BRIGHT LEAF 9 to 11 a.m. Bright Leaf Preserve, 2222 and Creek Mountain Rd. brightleaf.org or 512-459-7269. MARKET DAYS ON THE SQUARE 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Downtown Georgetown. FREE. thegeorgetownsquare.com. STACI GRAY KIDS CONCERT 10 a.m. 2610 Manor Rd. FREE. in.gredients.com HANDS ON HISTORY 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Williamson Museum, 716 S. Austin Ave., Georgetown. FREE. williamsonmuseum.org or 512-943-1670. POKEMON CLUB 11 a.m. Kyle Library, 550 Scott St., Kyle. FREE. cityofkyle.com or 512-268-7411. ART FREE-FOR-ALL 12 to 4 p.m. Laguna Gloria, 3809 W. 35th St. FREE. thecontemporaryaustin.org or 512-458-8191. FAMILY DAYS 12 to 4 p.m. Umlauf Sculpture Garden, 605 Robert E. Lee Rd. FREE. umlaufsculpture.org or 512-445-5582. MOVIE: FINDING DORY (PG) 2 p.m. Windsor Park Branch Library, 5833 Westminster Dr. FREE. library.austintexas.gov or 512-974-9840.
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BEE-TWEENS GAME TIME 2 p.m. Bee Cave Library, 4000 Galleria Pkwy., Bee Cave. FREE. beecavetexas.com or 512-579-2931.
CONTINUING: Rodeo Austin see Saturday 11; Free Music for Families see Monday 13; Skate Sessions during Spring Break see Monday 13.
MOVIE MATINEE: ARRIVAL (PG-13) 2 to 4 p.m. Pflugerville Library, 1008 W. Pfluger St., Pflugerville. FREE. pflugervilletx.gov or 512-990-6375. CONTINUING: Courthouse Tours see Saturday 4; Giant Chess see Saturday 4; Llano Earth Art Festival and World Rockstacking Championship see Friday 10; Rodeo Austin see Saturday 11; Round Rock Area Pokémon Club see Saturday 4.
WEDNESDAY 15
SUNDAY 12 DAYLIGHT SAVINGS BEGINS STORYBOOK DANCE MAKING 2 p.m. Recycled Reads Bookstore, 5335 Burnet Rd. FREE. library.austintexas.gov or 512-323-5123. CONTINUING: Courthouse Tours see Saturday 4; Free Skate Lessons see Sunday 5; Game On! Board Games see Sunday 5; Llano Earth Art Festival and World Rockstacking Championship see Friday 10; Rodeo Austin see Saturday 11.
MONDAY 13 SKATE SESSIONS DURING SPRING BREAK ++ 12 to 9 p.m. Playland Skate Center, 8822 McCann Dr., Austin. $8. playlandskatecenter.com or 512-452-1901. FREE MUSIC FOR FAMILIES ++ 1 to 2 p.m. The Little Yoga House, 1211 Parkway. FREE. thelittleyogahouse-clarksville.com. MINECRAFT CLUB 3 to 5 p.m. Leander Library, 1011 S. Bagdad Rd., Leander. FREE. leandertx.gov or 512-259-5259. ROCKIN’ KIDS ART CLUB 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Round Rock Library, 216 E. Main St., Round Rock. FREE. roundrocktexas. gov or 512 218 5400. CONTINUING: Llano Earth Art Festival and World Rockstacking World Championship see Friday 10; Rodeo Austin see Saturday 11.
TUESDAY 14 FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT: THE JUNGLE BOOK (PG) 6:30 p.m. Twin Oaks Branch Library, 1800 S. 5th St. FREE. library.austintexas.gov or 512-974-9980.
TEXAS ROCKFEST 2017 ++ All day. 7th and Neches St. FREE. texasrockfest.com. PET PFEST 2 to 4 p.m. Pflugerville Library, 1008 W. Pfluger St., Pflugerville. FREE. pflugervilletx.gov. SPRING BREAK GAMING WITH NINTENDO 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Round Rock Library, 216 E. Main St., Round Rock. FREE. roundrocktexas.gov or 512-218-7034. FAMILY CRAFT NIGHT 6 p.m. Howson Branch Library, 2500 Exposition Blvd. FREE. library.austintexas.gov or 512-974-8800. CONTINUING: Community Night see Wednesday 1; Free Music for Families see Monday 13; Rodeo Austin see Saturday 11; Skate Sessions during Spring Break see Monday 13; Sprouts see Wednesday 1.
THURSDAY 16 SCIENCE THURSDAY 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bullock Museum, 1800 N. Congress Ave. FREE. thestoryoftexas.com or 512-936-8746. FAIRYTALE THREADS ++ 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Cedar Park, 1420 Toro Grande Blvd., Cedar Park. fairytalethreads. com. THIRD THURSDAYS AT THE BLANTON ++ 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Blanton Museum of Art, 200 E. MLK Blvd. FREE. blantonmuseum.org or 512-471-5482.
HOMESCHOOL MEETUP
1 to 2:30 p.m. Leander Library, 1011 S. Bagdad Rd., Leander. FREE. leandertx.gov or 512-259-5259. THE SECRET LIFE OF PETS (PG) 2:30 to 4 p.m. Round Rock Library, 216 E. Main St., Round Rock. FREE. roundrocktexas. gov or 512-218-3275. FREE PLAY GAMING 3:30 p.m. Twin Oaks Branch Library, 1800 S. 5th St. FREE. library.austintexas.gov or 512-9749980. CONTINUING: Rodeo Austin see Saturday 11; Skate Sessions during Spring Break see Monday 13; Free Music for Families see Monday 13; Texas RockFest 2017 see Wednesday 15.
FRIDAY 17 ST. PATRICK’S DAY Friday Movie Matinee: Night at the Museum (PG) 2 to 4 p.m. Old Quarry Branch Library, 7051 Village Center Dr. FREE. library.austintexas. gov or 512-974-8860. ST. PATRICK’S DAY FESTIVAL 3 to 9 p.m. Pioneer Farms, 10621 Pioneer Farms Dr. $5 child; $15 adult. stpatricksdayaustin.com. PAN AMERICANA FESTIVAL 4 to 9 p.m. Mexican American Cultural Center, 600 River St. FREE. austintexas.gov or 512-386-7336. CONTINUING: Rodeo Austin Saturday 11; Sprouts see Wednesday 1; Star Party see Friday 3; Free Music for Families see Monday 13; Skate Sessions during Spring Break see Monday 13; Texas RockFest 2017 see Wednesday 15; Fairytale Threads see Thursday 16.
SATURDAY 18 GAULT ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE TOURS 9 a.m. Williamson Museum, 716 S. Austin Ave., Georgetown. $10. williamsonmuseum.org. UMLAUF KIDS KRAFT 9 to 10:30 a.m. Umlauf Sculpture Garden, 605 Robert E. Lee Rd. $10 members. umlaufsculpture.org. ROCKIN’ & LEARNIN’ 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Lakeshore Learning Store, 9828 Great Hills Tr. FREE. lakeshorelearning.com. UMLAUF KIDS KRAFT 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Umlauf Sculpture Garden, 605 Robert E. Lee Rd. $10 members. umlaufsculpture.org. MOVIE MATINEE 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Pflugerville Library, 1008 W. Pfluger St., Pflugerville. FREE. pflugervilletx.gov or 512-990-6375. TEXAS NIGHT SKY FESTIVAL 2 to 10 p.m. Dripping Springs Ranch Event Center, 1042 Event Center Dr., Dripping Springs. texasnightskyfestival.org or 512 858-4725. CONTINUING: Courthouse Tours see Saturday 4; Giant Chess see Saturday 4; Rodeo Austin see Saturday 11; Round Rock Area Pokémon Club see Saturday 4; Texas RockFest 2017 see Wednesday 15; Fairytale Threads see Thursday 16; Family Farm Days see Saturday 4; Pan Americana Festival see Friday 17.
SUNDAY 19 CONTINUING: Courthouse Tours see Saturday 4; Free Skate Lessons see Sunday 5; Game On! Board Games see Sunday 5; Rodeo Austin see Saturday 11.
MONDAY 20 Vernal Equinox
RODEO AUSTIN SCHOOL TOURS ++ 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Travis County Expo Center, 7311 Decker Ln. FREE. rodeoaustin.com. CONTINUING: Rodeo Austin see Saturday 11.
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TUESDAY 21 CONTINUING: Rodeo Austin see Saturday 11; Rodeo Austin School Tours see Monday 20.
CONTINUING: Rodeo Austin see Saturday 11; Rodeo Austin School Tours see Monday 20.
FRIDAY 24
THURSDAY 23
MOVIES IN THE PARK: STORKS (PG) 7:45 p.m. Elizabeth Milburn Park, 1901 Sun Chase Blvd., Cedar Park. FREE. cedarparktexas.gov or 512-401-5516. CONTINUING: Sprouts see Wednesday 1; Star Party see Friday 3; Rodeo Austin see Saturday 11; Rodeo Austin School Tours see Monday 20.
CULTURE NIGHTS 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. AGE Cafeteria, 3710 Cedar St. FREE. austinpowwow.net.
DOGGY 4K AND PLAY DAY All day. Brushy Creek North
WEDNESDAY 22 CONTINUING: Sprouts see Wednesday 1; Community Night see Wednesday 1; Rodeo Austin see Saturday 11; Rodeo Austin School Tours see Monday 20.
SATURDAY 25
Pick us up at HEB, Whole Foods and Central Market
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Park, 4000 Park Dr., Round Rock. FREE. roundrocktexas.gov or 512-218-5400. STACI GRAY KIDS CONCERT 10 a.m. 2610 Manor Rd., Austin. FREE. in.gredients.com
Parenting Events
ZILKER GARDEN FESTIVAL 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Zilker Botanical Garden, 2220 Barton Springs Rd. $4 child; $10 adult. zilkergarden.org or 512-477-8672.
Any Baby Can offers free parenting classes in English and Spanish on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Postpartum support group meets on Thursdays. 6207 Sheridan Ave. FREE. anybabycan.org or 512-454-3743.
BLANTON BLOCK PARTY ++ 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Blanton Museum of Art, 200 E. MLK Blvd. FREE. blantonmuseum.org or 512-471-5482.
Bridges to Growth offers early childhood parenting classes throughout the month. 805 W. University Ave., Georgetown. georgetownproject.org or 512-864-3008.
SPRING PFLING SUMMER SIGN-UP DAY 12 to 3 p.m. Pflugerville Rec Center, 400 Immanuel Rd., Pflugerville. FREE. pflugervilletx.gov or 512-990-6350. LIGHTS-OFF EVENT 8:30 p.m. All over Austin. FREE. earthhour.org. CONTINUING: Courthouse Tours see Saturday 4; Giant Chess see Saturday 4; Rodeo Austin see Saturday 11; Round Rock Area Pokémon Club see Saturday 4.
SUNDAY 26 ZILKER GARDEN FESTIVAL 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Zilker Botanical Garden, 2220 Barton Springs Rd. $4 child; $10 adult. zilkergarden.org or 512-477-8672. PECAN STREET BRASS 4 p.m. Recycled Reads Bookstore, 5335 Burnet Rd. FREE. library.austintexas.gov or 512-323-5123. CONTINUING: Courthouse Tours see Saturday 4; Free Skate Lessons see Sunday 5; Game On! Board Games see Sunday 5.
TUESDAY 28 ART SMART ++ 6:30 p.m. Willie Mae Kirk Branch Library, 3101 Oak Springs Dr. FREE. library.austintexas.gov or 512-974-9920.
WEDNESDAY 29 TRUE NORTH HOMESHOOLERS 12 to 2 p.m. Round Rock Library, 216 E. Main St., Round Rock. FREE. roundrocktexas.gov or 512 218-3275. CONTINUING: Community Night see Wednesday 1; Sprouts see Wednesday 1.
The City of Austin offers free car seat checks and Safe Baby Academy classes throughout the year at a variety of locations in the Central Texas area. Appointments and reservations are required. For dates and locations, email emspubed@austintexas.gov or call 512-972-SAFE (7233). La Leche League of Central Texas hosts nine regular meetings in addition to play dates and gatherings in Austin, Round Rock, Killeen/Temple, Bryan-College Station and Waco. All breastfeeding mothers, babies and mothers-to-be are welcome to attend. Texaslll.org. YMCA offers a free Childhood Obesity Intervention Program on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays throughout the month. Various locations. austinymca.org or 512-236-9622.
WEDNESDAY 1 ACGC NIGHT LIVE! 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Cap City Comedy Club, 8120 Research Blvd. $15. austinchildguidance.org or 512- 451-2242.
THURSDAY 2 AMPLIFY AUSTIN DAY All day. Fundraiser. amplifyatx.org or 512-717-4194. AMPLIFY TEXAS RIVER SCHOOL PARTY 5 to 9 p.m. The High Road on Dawson, 700 Dawson Rd. Fundraiser. texasriverschool.org.
THURSDAY 30
FRIDAY 10
ALL ABOARD ++ 9:30 a.m. The Long Center, 701 W. Riverside Dr. $6.50. pollyannatheatrecompany.org.
MARCH FOR CHANGE 10 a.m. Texas State Capitol, 1100 Congress Ave. FREE.
FREE PLAY GAMING 3 p.m. Carver Branch Library, 1161 Angelina St. FREE. library.austintexas.gov or 512-974-1010.
FRIDAY 31
CONTINUING: Sprouts see Wednesday 1; Star Party see Friday 3; All Aboard see Thursday 30.
SPECIAL NEEDS SUPPORT GROUP 2 to 4 p.m. Elgin Library, 404 N. Main St., Elgin. FREE. elgintx.com or 737-247-8142.
SATURDAY 18 AFRICAN VIOLET SOCIETY 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Zilker Botanical Garden, 2220 Barton Springs Rd. $3 adult; $1 child. zilkergarden.org or 512-477-8672.
WEDNESDAY 22 NEED A PEDIATRICIAN? CLINIC OPEN HOUSE 5:30 to 6 p.m. Baylor Scott & White Pediatric Clinic, 425 University Blvd., Round Rock. FREE. roundrocktexas.gov.
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SATURDAY 25 HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE CLEANUP 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Gupton Stadium, 200 Gupton Way Dr., Cedar Park. FREE. cedarparktexas.gov or 512-401-5300.
View the Austin-Area Story Time Calendar at austinfamily.com!
Story Times Austin area libraries offer story times for infants, toddlers, preschoolers and families with children of all ages. In addition, there are story times in Spanish, Mandarin Chinese, Hindi, American Sign Language and other languages. Contact your local library for more information about times and appropriate ages. AUSTIN LIBRARY Branches throughout Austin library.austintexas.gov | 512-974-7400 CEDAR PARK LIBRARY 550 Discovery Blvd. cedarparktx.us | 512-401-5600 GEORGETOWN LIBRARY 402 W. 8th St. library.georgetown.org | 512-930-3551 KYLE LIBRARY 550 Scott St. cityofkyle.com | 512-268-7411 LAKE TRAVIS LIBRARY 1938 Lohman’s Crossing laketravislibrary.org | 512-263-2885 LAURA’S LIBRARY 9411 Bee Cave Rd. westbanklibrary.com | 512-381-1400 LEANDER LIBRARY 1011 S. Bagdad Rd. leandertx.gov/library | 512-259-5259 PFLUGERVILLE LIBRARY 1008 W. Pfluger St. pflugervilletx.com|512-990-6275 ROUND ROCK LIBRARY 216 E. Main St. roundrocktexas.gov | 512-218-7001 SAN MARCOS LIBRARY 625 E. Hopkins St. ci.san-marcos.tx.us | 512-393-8200 TAYLOR LIBRARY 801 Vance St. ci.taylor.tx.us | 512-352-3434
Pick us up at HEB, Whole Foods and Central Market
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SMART SCREEN TIME Here’s hoping Spring Break means nice weather and time outdoors. But in case your kids pick up a screen, consider these options: Nature Cat’s Great Outdoors app (iPhone, iPad, Android—FREE). This on-the-go toolset inspires nature exploration—in the yard, at a park or even out the window. Every day is a new adventure. Favorite features: Squeeks’ Compass; Daisy’s Camera; Hal’s Sound Recorder; art tool; nature journal. Plum’s Creaturizer app (iPhone, iPad, Android—FREE). Kids and families can build original wild creatures, then photograph them in natural habitats. Favorite features: Create a billion unique creatures; customize each creature’s body parts; complete missions for each creature; watch a slideshow featuring your creature. Coming in April. On channel 18.4, KLRU launches its first-ever PBS KIDS 24/7 channel! The lineup on our main channel will NOT change; the new channel will provide more choice during the day and educational options at night. Ben Kramer, PhD, is the vice president of educational services for KLRU-TV, Austin PBS.
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Z
KID ONE Get Cooking! Preparing your own food in the kitchen is a great way to learn about nutrition, pick up an essential life skill and start to try more fresh, wholesome ingredients. It’s best to find recipes with several hands-on components, so both parents and kids can be involved as much as possible.
focus on advertisement
doctors
Dr. Kimberly Albert, ADC Steiner Ranch Dr. Kimberly Albert received her medical degree from University of California in San Francisco and completed her pediatric residency at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, TX. She is board certified in pediatrics. Dr. Albert joined ADC in 1998 and has been recognized as by Best Doctors, Inc since 2005. See ad on page 52 Dr. Shelby Denman Great Expressions Dental Centers Dr. Denman is a general dentist in Round Rock. A proud member of the American Dental Association, Texas Dental Association and Capital Area Dental Society, Dr. Denman prides himself in providing affordable dental care, without sacrificing quality or convenience. Accepting new patients! See ad on page 13 Dr. Andrew Edmonds Great Expressions Dental Centers Dr. Edmonds is a general dentist in Round Rock. A Western University of Health Sciences graduate, he enjoys restorative family dentistry and putting a smile on his patients’ faces. Outside of dentistry, he enjoys time with family and friends, the outdoors, and traveling. See ad on page 13
We love rolling spring rolls with our three children. These are a traditional Vietnamese dish featuring veggies and protein wrapped in rice paper. What You Need • 1 lb. cooked, cooled shrimp or tofu • 1 lb. cooked rice vermicelli • 3 cups washed, chopped romaine • ½ cup washed, chopped mint leaves • 1 cup washed bean sprouts • 1 package rice paper What You Do 1. Peel the shrimp, slice lengthwise into two halves and remove the veins. Or cut the tofu into rectangles. Wash the lettuce and mint and coarsely chop both. 2. Prepare a large bowl of warm water. Dip a sheet of rice paper into the water, removing it immediately after submerging. Shake off any excess water and place on a flat surface. 3. Place the shrimp (skin side down) or tofu in the middle of the rice paper. Top with lettuce, sprouts, mint and vermicelli. 4. Carefully roll the rice paper once or twice until you reach the center. 5. Fold the sides of the rice paper into the center, then continue to roll until you form a log. 6. Repeat steps 1 to 5 for each roll. What Else to Do Have fun experimenting with ingredients like fresh fruit, seasonal veggies or sliced turkey and mashed potatoes. If traditional spring rolls don’t do it for you, try rice paper as a great base for creative wraps.
Pat and Sara Lee are the husband and wife team behind Austin’s PhoNatic restaurants.
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Dr. Rachel Montgomery, Lonestar Pediatric Dental Dr. Montgomery graduated from Baylor University in Waco, and followed up by attending the University of Texas Dental School in Houston. Her residency was completed at the Boston University School of Dental Medicine, with a specialty in pediatrics. Rachel can most likely be found spending time with her husband Marty and their precious boys. See ad on page 21 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 21 Dr. Luke Padwick, Austin Emergency Center MD, MS trained at LA County King Medical Center. Dr. Padwick is a native of Hawaii, played rugby in England and has bicycled across the United States. Dr. Parekh, Austin Family Allergy and Asthma Dr. Parekh is a Board-Certified Allergist/Immunologist, seeing patients of all ages. He also speaks Spanish and Gujarati. “My philosophy of care is one of collaborative dialogue between physician and patient. Because of the genetics of allergies and asthma, I often end up treating the whole family!” See ad on page 49 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 52
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BY CARRIE TAYLOR
because the poop and vomit gods hear that as a personal invitation into your home.)
3 Ways
to Trick Your Toddler
During both my pregnancies, I haunted the local Chick-Fil-A, eating through their fry and vanilla milkshake inventories. And when my oldest turned 2, any previous attempts at healthy eating went out the window. Processed American “cheese” smashed between slices of white bread? Fine. Every day for a week? Sure. Here’s what I’ve tried to make my child’s eating habits greener and less cheesy: 1. Veggie nuggets. Chicken nuggets reign supreme at our house, so I thought I’d pull a fast one and make broccoli tots. They were as disgusting as they sound, but I attempted to mask the grainy texture and overall taste with sly organic ketchup. He got two bites in before the tears came.
Before I had kids, I looked down on pregnant women and families with kids chowing down on fries and burgers. I’d smirk smugly to myself and think, When I’m pregnant, I’ll only eat organic, and my kids will be born eating kale.
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I was naïve and didn’t know the first commandment of parenthood: Thou Shall Not Pass Judgment on Others Because: Karma. (The second commandment being don’t brag about your child’s immune system,
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2. Smoothies. I think I’ve discovered another aspect of how we humans are evolving. Kids now have a sixth sense where they can detect even the hint of a spinach leaf, but if you mask the veggies with enough fruit, smoothies can be a good option. 3. The word “sauce.” My toddler loves ketchup and barbecue sauce. He’ll dip his fork in and eat them solo. When I present him with thick soup or hummus and tell him it’s “sauce,” he actually eats it—one small, fork-covered bite at a time. This isn’t a good option if you want meals to last under an hour. Carrie Taylor is a freelance writer and mother of two boys.
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