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DECEMBER 2016

smart parenting • healthy homes

How Safe is Your Toy Box?

Behind the Scenes at Pollyanna Theatre

Serving Austin’s Families Since 1992

Ways to Teach Gratitude

Fairness in Gift-Giving

CONTEST 2017

ARTÍCULOS EN ESPAÑOL

INSIDE!

WRITERS CONTEST WINNERS • HOLIDAY CAMPS AND ACTIVITIES • CALENDAR

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Nyle Maxwell

of Dealerships

SATURDAY, DECEMBER10 10am–4pm

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Peace Begins Here 24 hour christmas music starting november 25

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DECEMBER 2016

smart parenting • healthy homes

Toy Safety

A Moral Imperative

Practicing Gratitude

columns

calendar

en español

14 Family Matters

36 Museum Exhibits 36 Family Events 41 Parenting Events 42 Story Times

16 Asuntos Familiares

Do Kids’ Gifts Need to Be Equal?

20 Lifelines

Are You Using Outdated Remedies to Treat Your Child’s Tummy Bug?

22 Ten Things…

For Toy Shopping!

The Learning Curve Shopping For Gifts? We Test Drove 5 Cool Possibilities

32 Family Connections

Choose New Tech-gifting Options Big and Small

42 Remembering My Roots

in every issue 7

Play It Safe Product recalls

5 Reasons Why Santa Actually Is Terrifying

35 Piensa Positivo

Auto Control con Personas/Momentos Difíciles

44 Recordando Mis Raíces Las Posadas

FILM REVIEW by Jack Kyser

8 Around Austin 45 Kidzone

DIY Peppermint Ornaments

Posadas

48 Just for Grins

¿Los Regalos de los Niños Necesitan Ser Iguales?

extras

Get the scoop from our resident film critic, Jack Kyser! Read Jack’s reviews at austinfamily. com/category/films.

This month’s review:

24 Holiday Camps and Family

“Rules Don’t Apply”

Fun Guide

26 Young Writers Contest Winners 46 Focus on Doctors 47 Cover Kids Contest

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

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New items each week. Visit our website to register.

On the Cover Evelyn is 4 years old and loves to dress up, especially at Christmas. Cover photographed by Jordan Ashley Photography

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® BY SHERIDA MOCK

December 2016

here did the year go? It seems like only yesterday we were welcoming 2016, and now it’s time to bid it farewell. If time seems to be sneaking up on you, too, then you’ll be pleased to find this issue full of seasonal helpers to get you through the month with hours to spare. During this holiday season, you might be looking to impart the gift of gratitude to your children, so turn to Ashley Talmadge’s article. She offers an amazing 13 ways to teach gratitude.

Volume 24, No. 9

PUBLISHER

Kaye K. Lowak

EDITOR

Sherida Mock: editor2003@austinfamily.com

COPY EDITOR Paula Halloum

ADVISING EDITORS

Dr. Betty Kehl Richardson, Barb Matijevich

CALENDAR EDITOR

You might also be shopping for gifts, and we’re ready to guide you there, as well. Betty Richardson has advice on gift equality among your kids, Margaret Nicklas puts a few educational toys through their paces and Richard Singleton rounds up a collection of tech gifts. But we don’t stop there because PlaySafe.org has words of wisdom about toy safety, and our 10 Things this month is a list of staff favorites from Terra Toys.

Betty Kemper: calendar2003@austinfamily.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Sherida Mock, Dr. Betty Richardson, Jack Kyser, Richard Singleton, Carrie Taylor, Brenda Schoolfield, Rocio Barbosa, Margaret Nicklas, Ashley Talmadge

TRANSLATION TEAM

Maribel Ruvalcaba, Margo Vogelpohl

From all of us at Austin Family magazine, have a very happy and safe holiday season!

ART DIRECTOR

Designer: Mary Lingle nr2003@austinfamily.com

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 2016. 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 Dehumidifiers, Strollers and Infant Bath Tubs GD Midea is recalling about 3.4 million dehumidifiers because they can overheat, smoke and catch fire, posing serious fire and burn hazards. The recall involves several models with capacities of 25 to 75 pints and sold under more than 50 brand names. Affected units were sold at Lowes, Menards, PC Richard and other stores nationwide between January 2003 and December 2013 for between $100 and $300. Consumers should immediately turn off and unplug the dehumidifiers and contact GD Midea for either a replacement unit or a partial refund. Mamas & Papas is recalling about 3,000 strollers because a loose latch on the stroller can cause the seat to tip back unexpectedly when an infant is in the parent-facing position, posing a fall hazard to infants. The recall involves Armadillo Flip and Armadillo Flip XT strollers. All models are folding, single-occupant infant strollers. Affected units were sold at Albee Baby, Babies “R” Us, Buy Buy Baby and other stores nationwide and online at mamasandpapas.com and amazon.com between December 2014 and July 2016 for between $500 and $550. Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled strollers and contact Mamas & Papas for a free repair. Summer Infant is recalling about 86,000 infant bath tubs because the fabric sling can detach from the tub, posing a risk of impact injury and drowning. The recall involves Lil’ Luxuries Whirlpool, Bubbling Spa & Shower tubs. The product contains a fabric sling on a plastic frame, onto which the infant is placed for bathing. Affected units were sold at Toys “R” Us, Babies “R” Us and other juvenile product specialty stores nationwide between October 2012 and October 2013 for about $60. Consumers should immediately stop using the fabric sling in the recalled product and contact Summer Infant for a replacement fabric sling with a white plastic attachment clip. 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 the result of a nearly $49,000 grant from Round Rock ISD’s Innovative School Grants program. “We’ve reached over 3,000 kids,” says Charles Hobby, theatre director at Round Rock High School. “The kids loved it.”

Family Link staff, supporters and children in care attend the ribbon cutting ceremony for a new facility in south Austin. Photo courtesy of Hans Storsberg Photography.

Foster Care and Adoption Family Link at Legacy Ranch recently opened its newest location, the Legacy Austin Children's Home, in south Austin. Founded nearly 10 years ago by Executive Director Mariah Wilde, Family Link is a Christian based foster care and adoption agency providing placement and services for abused and neglected children.

Jack Murray visited five elementary schools, telling the story of The Tempest. Students participated in the storytelling by, for example, helping recreate the sounds of the storm that opens the play. Hobby says the physicality of Murray’s storytelling allowed students to connect language with movement and sound. “It’s not about reading. It’s not about writing. It’s just about language as something that we use,” says Hobby. “They get up on their feet. They’re not sitting at their desk.” Emily Plumtree guided middle school students in exploring Shakepeare’s texts, discussing language, themes and

The agency specializes in sibling placements to help mitigate the trauma associated with further family disruption. To date, the agency has provided over 4,000 children with safe and loving homes. Family Link plans to open an additional children's home in the west Austin area and continues to seek nurturing and loving foster and adoptive families.

In October, educators from Shakespeare’s Globe in London, England, spent two weeks visiting classrooms in Round Rock as the beginning of a 10-year theatre-based language arts program. The program is

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Make your wishes on Dec. 4, Santa’s List Day. Catch up on correspondence; it’s Write a Friend Month. See if it’s colder outside on Dec. 21, the first day of winter.

At Round Rock High School, the pair prepared students for a production of Romeo and Juliet. The play was performed for the public over two weekends in the school’s black box theatre, which was transformed into a replica of the Globe Theatre of Shakespeare’s time. “Shakespeare wrote for that stage,” says Hobby. “There’s not a bad seat in the Globe.” Next year, Hobby says the educators will return for workshops, and high school students will again cap the experience with the production of a Shakespeare play.

For more information, visit legacyranchkids.com.

Theatre-Based Learning

Must -Do This Month

Jack Murray of Shakespeare’s Globe tells the story of The Tempest to students at Wells Branch Elementary School. Photo by Tim Lowke.

images in more depth. Both Murray and Plumtree led a continuing professional development workshop for teachers, focusing on techniques that motivate and engage students.

The visit by Murray and Plumtree coincides with the launch of GET Shakespeare (Globe Education Teaching Shakespeare): a free digital tool that allows teachers around the world to select and save hundreds of Globe resources, from film clips of previous productions to fact sheets, synopses and essays. For more information, visit shakespearesglobe.com.

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“There’s not a playbook for a parent getting sick, and people deal with it in different ways,” says Chris Almendarez, president of the Round Rock Express. Almendarez’s wife, Jana, died of brain cancer in May 2016. “The thing we were concerned about more than anything was the kids.” Almendarez has two sons.

Chris Almendarez, president of the Round Rock Express, speaks at the opening of the new Wonders & Worries office in Georgetown.

Support for Children of Sick Parents Wonders & Worries opened its first Williamson County office in Georgetown in October. The Austinbased nonprofit assists families with the stress of a serious or life-threatening illness to a parent or primary caregiver.

The new Wonders & Worries office is inside the Georgetown Community Resource Center at 805 W. University Ave. Its services are free and offered in English and Spanish. Wonders & Worries, launched in 2001, offers in-school support at 11 school districts and provides individual and group support for children, as well as classes for parents. More than 850 children and their families receive services from Wonders & Worries each year.

Westcave Anniversary Book In time for gifting the nature lover in your life, Westcave Preserve has released Discovering Westcave: The Natural & Human History of a Hill Country Nature Preserve in celebration of the Westcave Outdoor Discover Center’s 40th anniversary. The

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book, by S. Christopher Caran and Elaine Davenport, takes readers on a walk through the preserve, unveiling its evolutionary past and acknowledging the many people who have been part of Westcave’s history. The authors aim not only to share the natural and human history of the 76-acre refuge, but also to inspire a continued respect and appreciation for the natural world. Discovering Westcave is published by Texas A&M University Press. For more information, visit westcave.org.

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Arts Education Survey In November, the Texas Cultural Trust released the results of a statewide survey of Texas parents, which measured attitudes on the importance of arts education in Texas public schools. The survey found strong support across the board for increased funding of and access to the arts. The survey is part of the Trust’s new arts advocacy campaign, Art Can.

“Every parent wants their child to succeed,” says Jennifer Ransom Rice, executive director of the Texas Cultural Trust. “Arts education is one of the best keys to that success. It is proven to help children develop the skills they need to excel in every area from artistic pursuits to academic excellence. This poll affirms that Texas parents value arts education and want their children to have more access to it.”

by the

numbers 65%

Holiday shoppers buying at least one gift card Source: National Retail Federation

Key findings include: • 92 percent of Texas parents have a positive opinion of arts education • Nine out of 10 Texas parents favor increased funding of the arts in their schools • 89 percent of Texas respondents believe that art and music electives are as important as athletics in middle school and high school “As Texas struggles with ways to keep kids in school, improve test scores and increase graduation rates and college readiness, there is one simple solution right in front of us: increase access to arts education,” says Judy Robison, chair of the Texas Cultural Trust Board.

$19.48 billion US retail toy market

Source: Toy Industry Association

83%

Reduction in toy recalls since 2008 Source: US Consumer Product Safety Commission

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Pre-School: Ages 3-5 School: Ages 5-9 and growing

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Boat and Travel Trailer Show The Austin Boat and Travel Trailer Show arrives at the Austin Convention Center Jan. 19 – Jan. 22. The show will include contests and a children’s activity area. For boating enthusiasts, the event will showcase a variety of watercrafts. For those who prefer to keep their travel on the ground, vehicles such as fifth wheels and truck campers will be on display. “The show has been an Austin staple for 44 years,” says Jennifer McKinney, marketing manager of the show.

Enrollment Change

navigate the college application process. “By creating an immersive and experiential curriculum and putting people side-by-side with industry experts, we have a recipe for success,” says Koy McDermott, co-founder of the LevelUp Institute. “This is not another entrepreneurial thinking program, these students are creating a company that can compete in a world class level.” “There is no reason the next Mark Zuckerberg can’t come from East Austin,” says Rubén Cantú, founder of SocialGood.us and the LevelUp Institute.

Harmony Public Schools recently announced a shift in its application period. Parents can now apply for enrollment at Harmony School of Excellence from Nov. 1 through Feb. 10, 2017, for their students to join the upcoming 2017-2018 school year. The previous application period ran from January through March.

College Student Incubator

“We believe this will give parents more time to prepare for the upcoming school year,” says Zekeriya Yuksel, Superintendent for Harmony Public Schools.

In October, Austin+SocialGood announced its rebranding to SocialGood.us, a national platform for social innovation, impact and entrepreneurship. It also announced the creation of LevelUp Institute, an incubator for low income, first-generation college students.

School officials say any Harmony campus that receives more applications than there are seats available will randomize all applications and select students via blind lottery. Parents will be notified in the spring if their students have been selected for enrollment or placed on a waiting list.

The first LevelUp cohort to complete the 12 week program unveiled its inaugural company, YOUnite.io, a platform that helps immigrant and DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) students

Parents can apply for enrollment in person at any campus or online at harmonytx.org. af Rubén Cantú of www.SocialGood.us introduces the first cohort of LevelUp, an incubator for first-generation college students.

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Keep Toy Safety in Mind This Holiday Season

he holiday season is a great time to assess the toy situation in your house. Use it as a “fresh start” for finally tackling that overflowing toy box. In addition to removing excess toys, it’s also critical to pay special attention to those that pose a safety concern.

It doesn’t matter if toys are manufactured in Asia, Europe, the US or elsewhere—to be sold in this country, every toy must meet our nation’s strict safety requirements. Before being sold in US stores, toys must be certified for safety by an independent, federally approved toy testing lab.

younger children. Get on the floor and play with the kids. Demonstrating the correct way to use a toy or game is the best way to make sure your child understands how to properly and safely enjoy it.

Not Just a Number

Be sure to take note of what else is in a child's play environment that may pose a risk. Choking hazards posed by batteries and magnets and other small items are a leading cause of injury to kids.

The age grading on a toy isn't about how smart a child is—it’s important safety guidance that’s based on the developmental skills and abilities of children at a given age and the specific features of a toy. If a toy is too advanced, your child will become frustrated, and if it’s too simple, they’ll get bored.

Hazards Large and Small

Handle with Care

Safety First

Toys on store shelves are subject to more than 100 safety tests and standards that are required by federal law. Those safety standards address every aspect of a toy, from its physical parts to its chemical makeup and beyond.

It’s tempting for kids to skip the instructions with new toys and dive right in, but reading through instructions ensures that all parts are secured, and toys are used in the proper way. Playing the wrong way or playing with a toy for something other than its intended use can pose a danger. Save directions, warranties and assembly hardware. Also, supervision of play is critical, especially for

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Parents should remember to dispose of all batteries where children canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t access them. They should also make sure to take note of other household items like remotes that do not have a locking mechanism to protect access to the batteries. On the other side of the size scale, toy chests or toy boxes with lids can fall and trap or injure kids seriously. Look for chests with lids with hinges that keep the lid open and are much safer. With new toys being added to toy shelves or toy closets, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s even more important to make sure bookcases, bureaus or shelves are secured with safety latches and mounted properly to prevent injury from tipped bookshelves or fallen shelves. af For more information or tips, visit PlaySafe.org.

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BY BETTY RICHARDSON

I always dread gift opening time at my house, because the kids count gifts and tally value in their heads. They often accuse me of favoring one over another. Should I be counting boxes or making sure my receipts add up to the same amount?

You’re not alone in trying to sort out gift giving dilemmas. In researching this subject, I found much disagreement. But don’t stress too much: in my own practice over the years, I’ve not met any clients who entered therapy because they got less at Christmas compared to a sibling. It may happen, but I suspect it’s rare. Betsy Brown Braun, author of You’re Not the Boss of Me: Brat-proofing Your Fourto Twelve-Year-Old Child, points out that parents spend a lot of time teaching kids that fair means equal, but they are setting up expectations for equality in other areas of their kids’ lives, and it just isn’t always going to be so. In talking with mothers, I found many different ideas and solutions around gift giving. Here are some of their great suggestions: 1. If one child’s gifts will cost more than the others’, have a talk with everyone in advance to let them know it’s happening and that over time the spending will even out. 2. If one child wants or needs something that’s over the gift budget, have the child earn some of the

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Do Kids’ Gifts Need to Be

Equal?

money for the gift. 3. If you decide to keep the gifts equal in number, do as one Austin Family staffer does and give each child a symbolic number of gifts (such as three gifts to match the number carried by the three wise men). Or do as another staffer does and give presents in categories (such as one want, one need, one thing to wear and one read). 4. Make the gift opening fun to take the focus off number and value. You could create a treasure hunt or put a small gift in a box, then in a bigger box and increasingly bigger boxes. 5. Have the children make or buy presents for each other, someone in a nursing home or an elderly neighbor. This lets them experience the joy of giving and learn how challenging it is to find the “right” present for someone. 6. Instead of giving material gifts, chose to spend Christmas money on a shared family experience or trip. Encourage the kids to research destinations, keep a diary of the trip and create a scrapbook afterward.

7. Consider joining a micro lending group like KIVA, in which you place money in accounts to lend out to strangers around the world to build community resources or start a small business. This gift lasts a long time; as the loans are repaid, the money is relent to help more people. Many of us here in Austin have small needs and large wants, whereas others in our world have great needs. 8. Talk with your children about appreciation and gratitude. When they receive gifts, help them write and send thank-you notes. Writing thank-you notes helps children develop thoughtfulness in regard to others. 9. Stay focused on your reason for the holiday season in keeping with your own religion and beliefs. Perhaps you can take these solutions, add your own personal twist and come up with different ideas to make your holidays less crazy and more enjoyable for your family and yourself. af Betty Richardson, Ph.D., R.N.C., L.P.C., L.M.F.T., is an Austin-based psychotherapist who specializes in dealing with the problems of children, adolescents and parents.

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BY BETTY RICHARDSON

¿Los Regalos de los Niños Necesitan Ser

Iguales?

Siempre temo la hora de abrir los regalos en mi casa, porque los niños cuentan los regalos y suman el valor en sus cabezas. A menudo me acusan de favorecer a uno más que al otro. ¿Debería contar las cajas o asegurarme que mis recibos sumen la misma cantidad?

Usted no está sola tratando de resolver los dilemas de dar regalos. Al investigar este tema, encontré mucho desacuerdo. Pero no se estrese demasiado: en mi propia práctica a lo largo de los años, no he conocido ningún cliente que entrara en terapia porque recibió menos regalos de Navidad, comparado con un hermano. Puede suceder, pero sospecho que es raro. Betsy Brown Braun, autora de You’re Not the Boss of Me: Brat-proofing Your Four- to Twelve-Year-Old Child, señala que los padres pasan mucho de su tiempo enseñando a los niños que lo justo significa igualdad, pero están creando las expectativas de igualdad en otra áreas de la vida de sus hijos, y no siempre va a ser así. Al hablar con algunas madres, encontré muchas ideas y soluciones diferentes para dar regalos. Aquí están algunas de sus grandes sugerencias: 1. Si los regalos de un niño van a costar más que los demás, hable con todos de antemano para hacerles saber lo que va a suceder y que con el tiempo el gasto será igual.

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2. Si uno de los niños quiere o necesita algo que está sobre el presupuesto del regalo, haga que el niño gane algo del dinero para el regalo. 3. Si usted decide mantener los regalos iguales en número, haga lo que hace un empleado del Austin Family, que es darle a cada niño un número simbólico de regalos (como tres regalos para igualar el número llevado por los tres hombres sabios). O haga lo que otro miembro del personal hace, que es dar regalos en categorías (como uno cosa que quiere, una necesidad, una para usar y una para leer). 4. Haga el proceso de abrir los regalos algo divertido para que se enfoquen menos en la cantidad y el valor de los regalos. Usted podría crear una búsqueda de tesoro o poner un pequeño regalo en una caja, luego en una caja más grande y cada vez en cajas más grandes. 5. Pídales a los niños que hagan o compren regalos el uno para el otro, a una persona en una clínica de ancianos o a un vecino de edad avanzada. Esto les permite experimentar la alegría de dar y

a la vez aprender lo difícil que es encontrar el regalo “apropiado” para alguien. 6. En lugar de dar regalos materiales, opten por gastar el dinero de Navidad en una experiencia familiar compartida o un viaje. Anime a los niños a investigar destinos, mantener un diario del viaje y después crear un álbum de recuerdos. 7. Considere la posibilidad de unirse a una organización que ofrece micro créditos como KIVA, en el cual usted poner dinero en cuentas para prestar a extranjeros alrededor del mundo para construir recursos comunitarios o iniciar un pequeño negocio. Este regalo dura mucho tiempo; conforme los préstamos son reembolsados, el dinero se vuelve a prestar para ayudar a más personas. Muchos de nosotros aquí en Austin tenemos pequeñas necesidades y grandes deseos, mientras que otros en nuestro mundo tienen grandes necesidades. 8. Hable con sus hijos sobre la apreciación y gratitud. Cuando reciben regalos, ayúdenlos a escribir y enviar notas de agradecimiento. Escribir notas de agradecimiento

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les ayuda a los niños a desarrollar la consideración con respecto a los demás. 9. Manténgase enfocada en el motivo de la temporada navideña, de acuerdo con su propia religión y creencia. Tal vez usted puede tomar estas sugerencias, añadir su propio toque

personal y llegar a diferentes ideas para hacer su Navidad menos loca y más agradable para usted y su familia. 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 tratar con los problemas de niños, adolescentes y de padres

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"Pídales a los niños que hagan o compren regalos el uno para el otro, a una persona en una clínica de ancianos o a un vecino de edad avanzada. Esto les permite experimentar la alegría de dar y a la vez aprender lo difícil que es encontrar el regalo “apropiado” para alguien."

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A Moral Imperative: Inspired Director Brings Original Plays to Very Young Audiences BY SHERIDA MOCK

Pollyanna Theatre Company performs Liberty! Equality! and Fireworks! at the LBJ Library auditorium. Photo by Jay Godwin.

n 2000, Judy Matetzschk-Campbell had received a Ph.D. in theatre from UT Austin and wanted to direct plays for young audiences. But she found a lack of good material. Too much of the work at the time centered on adaptations of fairy tales and children’s books.

When I look at our plays now, there’s this interesting mix of Captain Kangaroo, Froot Loops and I Love Lucy. This explains a lot, doesn’t it?

AF: What can theatre do for children?

“I felt the need to create things that were realistic, that spoke to the challenges children have now,” she says. So she founded the Pollyanna Theatre Company to serve young audiences and provide them with educational experiences through original art.

AF: Tell us about your background. Judy: I’ve always been a Central Texan. I was born in Elgin. I grew up during that period when every day started with Froot Loops and Captain Kangaroo, then I Love Lucy. From the time I was about 3 years old, I thought, “What Lucy is doing right now—making people laugh and giving joy—I want to be part of that.”

offer hope. We need to put that main character in a place where things are going to be okay—even if they’re hard, even if there’s a loss, even if things are never going to be the way they were before the story started.

The Thing in Grandma’s Closet runs Jan. 28 - Feb. 5.

AF: What defines theatre for young people? Judy: My colleague Sandy Asher says that our plays are shorter because so are our audience members and their attention span. They have a child or a child-like protagonist that every child can identify with, and they always

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Judy: Theatre as a teaching tool is an amazing force. At-risk children are the core of our mission. They come in with very little socialization, way behind their more affluent peers in verbal skills and vocabulary. They’ve had almost no number or pattern recognition. It’s very difficult for a standard pre-K program to get them academically ready. We send our teaching artists in to the classrooms, and they do theme-based things to get them ready to see the play. And then we all see the play together. These plays are structured in tiny little bites. There’s a scene, then there’s a chance to get up and wiggle.

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pushing the children beyond where they are at that moment. There’s this sort of dance that happens, this sort of unspoken exchange.

we now do the Liberty! Equality! and Fireworks! show in their auditorium.

AF: Have there been any surprises in growing the company?

AF: How many children are you reaching? Judy: Over the span of a year, between our main stage shows and our theatrefor-the-very-young, plus the schools we go into and our regional touring, it’s about 20,000 children.

AF: Which has been your favorite Pollyanna production?

Matetzschk-Campbell founded Pollyanna Theatre Company in 2000.

Then they’re ready to focus on the next part of the story. Our partner, Bookspring, goes back to the classroom and does reading motivation skills, all linked thematically to the play they just saw. The forever book they get to take home supports what they saw. It’s this integrated approach to pre-literacy, motivation to read, learning how the arts work and having their first cultural experience.

AF: Does it take a special actor to do this work? Judy: Definitely. It’s this amazing ability to stay focused on what needs to happen next in the story while not

Judy: I love the plays that put us all in the audience together, whether you’re an adult or young person. The play we’re going to remount in the spring— Liberty! Equality! and Fireworks!—is all about the civil rights movement. It brings those characters to life, like the young men sitting at the Woolworth’s counter during the sit-in. It’s really powerful.

AF: Where do your plays take place? Judy: The theatre-for-the-very-young shows are for 2 to 5 year olds. These happen in the AT&T Education Room at the Long Center. It is very hands-on, very participatory. Our main stage shows are primarily for kindergarten through 5th grade. Those happen at the Rollins Studio Theatre at the Long Center. We partnered with the LBJ Library’s education department, and

Judy: Growth has definitely been a struggle. Being at the Long Center is a blessing, but we’re only there when we’re in production. Pollyanna really is this office, a rented studio space where we do our rehearsals and a really stuffed storage unit. People say they want the arts in their community, and I think a lot of people really do, but it’s hard to find people willing to help pay for it. There have been ups and downs in the economy. We’ve gone through times when people were very generous, and then we’ve gone through times when the need is outrageous among the families that we serve, and nobody had anything to give. We need people who go out and talk about our mission and bring additional resources so we can grow our staff and infrastructure. It would be awesome to know there was a way for this to sustain itself beyond the passion of the individuals in it right now. We have a lot to offer in terms of educational value and creative value. The arts have a moral imperative to offer children what we know works. af For more information visit: pollyannatheatrecompany.org

“Theatre as a teaching tool is an amazing force.” –Judy MatetzschkCampbell

The play Liberty! Equality! and Fireworks! brings the civil rights movement to life. Photo by Jay Godwin.

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December 2016 l austinfamily.com

BY BRENDA SCHOOLFIELD

Are You Using

Outdated Remedies To Treat

Your Child’s

Tummy Bug? Stomach viruses are common in childhood. Usually, the virus comes on strong, then goes away over the next few days. But about 2 million children every year become very sick with stomach viruses and need medical care. “Knowing what to do can help your child get better more quickly. It can also decrease the chances that your child might need emergency care,” says Dr. Christopher Saenz, a pediatrician in Steiner Ranch. “Many parents are still using old-fashioned remedies, which can delay a child’s recovery.”

The Best Drinks

should have a supply of commercial ORS on hand and start therapy as soon as diarrhea begins. ORS drinks are available over the counter. Some examples are Pedialyte, Infalyte and ReVital. These drinks contain glucose and electrolytes to replace what the child is losing. What about sports drinks? Some experts advise against sports drinks, such as Gatorade, because they have too much sugar and inappropriate electrolyte levels. “On the other hand,” says Dr. Saenz, “if your child is older than 2 years and doesn’t like the taste of ORS, Gatorade is an acceptable alternative.”

“Before you give liquids, wait for about an hour after vomiting to allow your child’s stomach to rest,” advises Dr. Saenz. “Then give about a teaspoon every 5 minutes or Test Yourself Do you know the best steps to help your child get over a stomach virus? Test so over the yourself to see if you are up to date with current strategies. next hour or two. As True False your child The best liquids to give a child who is having episodes of improves, vomiting include ginger ale and sports drinks. you can It’s best to give your child only clear liquids until he’s had no slowly vomiting or diarrhea for 24 hours. advance You should limit your child’s diet to bland foods and Jell-o the diet.” during the illness and afterwards for a few days.

Give oral rehydration solution (ORS). When a child has vomiting or diarrhea, he loses both fluid and important electrolytes. The CDC says all families

q q q

The CDC says giving ORS early helps reduce visits to the doctor’s office, clinic or emergency department. ORS doesn’t “cure” vomiting and diarrhea; it helps prevent dehydration, which can be very serious in children. Watch for signs of dehydration (see sidebar) and contact your pediatrician if you are worried. Avoid sugary drinks and Jell-o. The CDC says foods high in simple sugars can make diarrhea worse. They advise parents to avoid giving large amounts of: • Carbonated soft drinks • Fruit juice • Gelatin desserts • Other highly sugared liquids

Don’t Withhold Food The most important thing in managing a stomach virus is to replace fluid losses and make sure your child has adequate nutrition for recovery. The practice of withholding food for longer than 24 hours is inappropriate, according to the CDC. Early feeding helps reduce the length of the illness and improves nutritional outcomes. Try to see that your child gets increased nutrition after an episode of diarrhea.

Answers: The answer to all three questions is FALSE.

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When to Get Medical Help

“Giving good bacteria, such as the probiotics in yogurt, will help shorten the illness,” adds Dr. Saenz. For babies, offer more frequent breast or bottle feedings. Don’t withhold milk products or dilute formula. Forget the BRAT diet. Many of us have been told the BRAT diet is best for a child with vomiting or diarrhea. The BRAT diet limits food choices to Bananas, Rice, Applesauce and Toast. But experts—including the American Academy of Pediatrics—now agree that these foods alone don’t provide enough nutrition. Offer a well-rounded diet of complex carbohydrates (rice, potatoes, bread), lean meats, yogurt, fruits and vegetables.

Children can become dehydrated quickly. Babies and young children are especially at risk. Watch for signs of dehydration (see sidebar) and contact a healthcare provider immediately if your child has any of these signs. The CDC recommends that a child with diarrhea be evaluated by a healthcare provider if the child: • Is younger than 6 months old or weighs less than about 18 pounds • Was born prematurely • Has a chronic medical condition or had another illness before the diarrhea started • Has fever • Has blood in the stool • Is having frequent and substantial amounts of diarrhea • Has vomiting that won’t stop • May be dehydrated (see sidebar) • Has a change in typical behavior, such as being unusually drowsy or lethargic. af

Signs of Dehydration in Infants and Young Children • Dry mouth and tongue • No tears (or few tears) when crying • Less urine than usual; no wet diapers or trips to the bathroom in 6 hours • Unusually cranky • Unusually drowsy or lethargic • Sunken eyes or soft spot

Brenda Schoolfield is a freelance medical writer in Austin.

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December 2015 l austinfamily.com

Top 10

Staff Picks

Every year the 22-member staff at Terra Toys makes a list of their favorite play-tested toys for the year. During the month of December, come enjoy live demos of hundreds of toys, including the Top 10, and support local while you play! 1. The MyLand Car

For the curious toddler, this sturdy yet elegant car requires no buttons or batteries. Place the toy passengers into their color-matching seats, and the car magically lights up with soft driving engine sounds! Promotes play and STEM education.

2. Green Toys Farm Set

Made in the USA from 100 percent recycled bottles, this 13-piece compact and portable set is adorable, versatile and even dishwasher safe. Its ideal size integrates well into most other play sets, from trains to water toys and building blocks.

3. Quercetti Pixel Art Sets

Create an astounding work of art with over a thousand tiny colored pegs. Reveal an entire image pixel by pixel, illustrating the principle known as â&#x20AC;&#x153;spatial color mixing.â&#x20AC;? This unique, Italian-made kit. Enhances fine motor skills and explores artistic creativity.

4. Onyx Magic Set

Here is the ultimate magician's kit, featuring every tool your little illusionist needs to start a career in magic. This staff-tested box includes 200 magic tricks, as well as detailed instructions. Master every trick with this comprehensive set.

5. Laser Peg Dinosaur

Build 24 different dinosaurs from colorful interlocking bricks, then make them light up and flash with the sound-activated power base! This 220-piece set enhances fine motor and spatial reasoning skills.

Austin original for over 38 years. The one and only location in the world is located at 2438 West Anderson Lane 78757.

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6. Playmobil Space Shuttle

Built of the German-made heavy duty plastic for which Playmobil is known, this set includes everything from a launch countdown to a planet-roving robot. Bring missions to life with realistic sound effects and light up rocket trails, all while encouraging visual-spatial skills, logic, imaginative play and an interest in space exploration.

7. Evolution Y-Bike

This ingenious ride-on vehicle evolves to match your growing child's ability. The Y-Bike evolution starts as a tricycle then converts to a 2- or 3-wheeled balance bike. The Y-Bike builds strength, coordination and balance.

8. Aso-Blocks

For the construction block lover, these new Japanese-made building blocks employ a unique ball-joint connection, allowing you to create fully-poseable figures and leaving no limits to the shapes you can design.

9. The Swurfer

The most versatile swing ever, a surfboard-like plank is combined with sturdy rope and two wooden handles, allowing for a variety of cool moves and tricks. Stand up for an extreme, high-flying thrill or sit for a relaxing, rocking swing. The hard maple board and mold-resistant rope hold up to 250 pounds.

10. Konus Microscope Set

Explore the micro-world with this high-quality microscope, strong enough to see cells. Get started with one of the prepared slides, switch on the LED illuminator and look through the lens. The larger-size knob turns smoothly to let kids easily adjust the focus. Comes with supplies for conducting all kinds of experiments and encourages exploration, scientific learning, an interest in biology and chemistry.

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the story of

christmas

Christmas Fair 2016

December 4 from 4 to 6:30 p.m. | FREE

Make crafts, share snacks, listen to childrenʼs choirs and hear THE Christmas Story! Bring new pairs of childrenʼs socks and underwear for children in need. The First Baptist Church | 901 Trinity Downtown Austin | fbcaustin.org

BLAST OFF AT WINTER HOLIDAY CAMP Help your little one shoot for the stars this winter break with the YMCA of Austin’s Holiday Camp. This year’s theme is “Space, the Final Frontier.” As always, camp will offer enriching activities lead by the Y’s trained counselors. Your little astronaut-in-training will also make new friends, gain confidence, and expand their horizons. They are sure to have an out-of-this-world experience!

Dec. 19-23 & 27-30; 7:30am- 6pm daily For ages 5-12 years old

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Fa m i l y Fu n G u i d e BULLOCK STATE HISTORY MUSEUM EVENTS Dec. 1-14 Fantastic Beasts, what and where to find them in Laser IMAX Dec. 3, 1 p.m. The Muppets Christmas Carol on 35 mm Dec. 5-11 Bullock Museum Store Sale Dec. 8, 10 a.m. Little Texans Drop-in for this monthly hands-on program incorporating movement, play and tactile learning for ages 2 to 5. Dec. 22, 10 a.m. Holiday Storytime for Toddlers Dec. 15-30 Rouge 1 at Star Wars Story 3D in Laser IMAX Downtown Austin www.thestoryoftexas.com 512-936-8746

CINDERELLA Dec. 6-11 Broadway in Austin presents Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Tony-award winning musical. Bass Concert Hall 2350 Robert Dedman Dr. www.texasperformingarts.org 512-471-1444

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH CHRISTMAS EVENTS Christmas Fair Dec. 4, 4 p.m Children and their families

are invited to share in crafts, treats, music and to hear the Christmas story. Fair Trade Market Dec. 4, 12-1:30 p.m. Select gifts from a variety of fair trade vendors. Cantamos Dec. 14, 6 p.m. Free women’s ensemble concert. Dinner beginning at 5:30 p.m. ($6 adults, $3 children). Christmas Music Service Dec. 2, 6:30 p.m. Candlelight, a light meal and music provided by gifted church instrumentalists and vocalists. Christmas Eve Candlelight Service Dec. 24, 6 p.m. Downtown Austin www.fbcaustin.org

HOLIDAY BY THE TRACKS Dec. 3 Arts and crafts, parade, farmers market, Christmas tree farm and Santa. Downtown Elgin www.elgintx.com

HOLIDAY DROP AND SHOP BY TINKER TEACHERS Dec. 17, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Need to go holiday shopping? Bring the kids for holiday maker craft, tinker take apart, wellness workshop, pizza and more. 5701 Cameron Rd., Austin www.tinkerteachers.com

ROCK’N LIGHTS HOLIDAY LIGHT TOUR & CHRISTMAS TOWNE Dec. 16 - 24: 6 p.m.-10 p.m Dec. 25 - 26: 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Holiday light tour featuring all new displays and a bigger and brighter Christmas Towne at the Old Settlers Association and Dell Diamond parking lot. Old Settlers Park. www.roundrocktexas. gov/rocknlights

SANTA’S COMING TO TOWN AT MT. PLAYMORE Dec. 15, 4 – 8 p.m. Dec. 16, 2 – 6 p.m. Dec. 17, 2 – 8 p.m. Open until 5 p.m. Christmas and New Year’s Eve. Closed Christmas day. Party rooms, private parties, fund raisers and group rates. North Austin www.mtplaymore.com 512-989-8886

Ice skate and experience real Christmas magic. Check website for public session hours. $10 for skate rental and admission. Northcross Mall www.chaparralice.com

Holiday Extravaganza Dec. 3 & 4 at 2 and 6 p.m. The TexARTS Broadway Company stars in this holiday revue that features Rockette-style numbers, your favorite holiday hits, and a special appearance by Santa Claus! This perfectly wonderful showcase is sure to put the SPARKLE in your holidays! Kam & James Morris Theatre $15.00. www.tex-arts.org 512-852-9079 x101

PLAYLAND SKATE Extended hours for the holidays. Check website for hours and

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The Mother and Me Nutcracker Tea Dec. 10, 4 - 5 p.m. The Nutcracker Tea Party is a festive, family-friendly event perfect for the child in all of us! Conveniently scheduled at 4 p.m. on Dec. 10th for audiences attending either the 2 p.m. or 6 p.m. showing of The Nutcracker Tea Party tickets are $15. Gloria Delgado Theatre @ St. Michael's Academy www.tex-arts.org 512-861-0069

WANNA PLAY HOLIDAY BREAK Come build, bounce, create and read. Lakeline, Round Rock www.wannaplay.com 512-258-PLAY, 512-341-PLAY

Open all year and a great base for exploration of the Hill Country New Braunfels 855-847-4394 www.schlitterbahn.com

TEX-ARTS FAMILY HOLIDAY EVENTS

Nov. 10 – Jan. 1 2 million twinkle lights, 2 million pounds of hand-carved ice, gingerbread decorating corner, ice skating and more. www.christmasatgaylordtexan.com Grapevine 817-778-1000

the Sugar Plum Fairy hosts a dazzling array of dances! Gloria Delgado Theatre @ St. Michael’s Academy www.tex-arts.org 512-861-0069

RESORT AT SCHLITTERBAHN

ICE SKATING AT CHAPARRAL ICE CENTER

LONE STAR CHRISTMAS AT THE GAYLORD

lessons. An impressive light show, fog machine and state of the art sound system. North Austin www.playlandskatecenter.net 512-452-1901

THE NUTCRACKER Dec. 10 - 11, 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. $15 TexARTS Youth Ballet Theatre presents the classic story of The Nutcracker! Come join a festive party and watch in wonder as

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Holiday Camps BIG CHILL WINTER CAMP @ KIDVENTURE Dec. 19 – 23 We’ve crafted five individual, unique days of winter-themed activities for maximum fun and a memorable experience. You can attend any day you want or all five. 512-263-8992 www.kidventure.com

CAMP DOUBLECREEK WINTER BREAK CAMP Dec. 27-30 Since 1971, our exceptional, friendly and caring staff have fulfilled Doublecreek’s mission that “every camper leaves at the end of the day knowing someone believes in them. Ages 4 – 14 Round Rock 512-255-3661 www.campdoublecreek.com

CAPITAL GYMNASTICS HOLIDAY CAMP

for our school-age children. Ages: 5 – 13 South and North Austin 512-288-8220, 512-331-1441 www.countryhomelearningcenter.com

ESOTERIC FARM Children who attend our week-long camps get the true feeling of horse ownership. Ages: 6 – 15 Manor 512-272-4301 www.esotericfarm.com

ESTANCIA ART HOLIDAY ART CAMP This is a fantastic opportunity to introduce kids to plaster sculpture, acrylic painting on canvas and wet clay projects to be glazed and fired in our kiln. Just in time for holiday gift giving. Bee Caves 512-580-2999 www.art-studio71.com

Dec. 16, 19–22, 27–30, Jan. 2 Activities, dates, times vary among locations Gymnastics, holiday crafts, snacks, field trips, games, movies, inflatables, obstacle courses. Training sessions during winter break at Cedar Park. Sign up by the day: full or partial day. Pflugerville, N. Austin, Cedar Park 512-251-2439, 512-219-9930, 512-259-9995 www.capgym.com

FANTASTIC MAGIC CAMP

CHAMPIONSTX WINTER CAMP

Dec. 19 - 23 Kids age 7 to 14 can enjoy Minecraft Mods with Java, Coders and Makers or Scratch Programming. Throughout the week, campers will also be provided with unplugged and group activities that focus on problem-solving, socialization, creativity and collaboration Round Rock 512-900- 8380 www.fun2learncode.com

Dec. 19 – 12, 30 Gymnastics, tumbling, trampoline, art, cooking, science, games, outdoor time, party rock and more. This non-stop action camp is a world of fun for boys and girls of all ages. Ages: 3 – 10 + 6th – 12th grade Leader-in-Training Program. Upstairs of WAYA Lakeway 512-628-1787 www.championstx.com

COUNTRY HOME LEARNING CENTERS WINTER PROGRAM Open during public school holidays except Christmas Day. Throughout the holiday season, we provide planned field trips

Dec. 26 – 30 Add-on days Jan. 2 and 3**You must register for Winter Break Camp in order to register for add-on days. Kids discover their unique inner magic through learning magic tricks, juggling and puppetry. 512-850-4677 www.magiccamp.com

FUN2LEARN CODE

HOLIDAY CAMP AT THE Y OF GREATER WM. CO. CHASCO Family YMCA Day Camp, Gymnastics Camp, Multisport Camp, Y Day Camp at School Sites in Williamson County, Hutto Family YMCA Day

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Camp, Babysitter Camp, YMCA Camp Twin Lakes Day Camp, Black Friday Camp, Overnight Camp, Gymnastics Overnight Camp, Highland Lakes YMCA Day Camp, Twin Lakes Family YMCA Kinder Camp,Specialty Camps, Aquatic Camp YMCA Camp Round Rock Day Camp 512-246-9622 CHASCO 512-846-2360 Hutto 512-250-9622 Camp Twin Lakes 512-756-6180 Highland Lakes www.ymcagwc.org

NEWK’S ADVENTURES Dec. 17 – 23 (Ski Colorado) Dec. 18 – 23 & 26-31 (Tennis Camp) Mar. 11 – 18, 2017 (Disney Adventure) Join us on our Christmas Ski Camp to Crested Butte, Colorado and enjoy an unforgettable week of fun, food and friends! In March, you can be hanging out with Mickey and Pluto. New Braunfels 800-444-6204 www.texasadventurecamp.net

RIO VISTA WINTER BREAK CAMP Dec. 21 – 23 and Dec. 26 – 30 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.English riding lessons, horse care and more.10 miles from downtown Austin 512-247-2303 www.riovistafarm.net

ROUND ROCK PARKS AND RECREATION HOLIDAY CAMP

crafts, sports, drama, cooking group games and lots of fun. 512-218-5540 www.roundrockrecreation.com

STEPPING STONE SCHOOLS Set Sail on the Seven Seas! Come enjoy the fun. Open until noon Dec. 24. Closed Christmas and New Year’s Day. 19 locations in Central Texas 512-459-0258 www.steppingstoneschool.com

TEX-ARTS WINTER BREAK CAMP Best of “Seussical” Dec. 27–30 Learn dances, songs and scenes from this Dr. Seuss Broadway blockbuster! You’ll get a fantastic introduction to musical theatre by playing The Cat in the Hat, Horton the Elephant, Jojo and Lazy Mayzie. For ages 5 – 13. 512-852-9079 x104 www.tex-arts.org

WINTER BREAK CAMP SPACE, THE FINAL FRONTIER @ YMCA AUSTIN Explore the galaxy and what makes up our solar system. Create extraterrestrial characters, train for a zero gravity world by swimming in the Y pool, field trips to Texas Museum of Science and Technology and more. Have a blast! Ages 5 to 12 years Northwest, South, Manor and Buda 512-236-9622 www.austinymca.org/ programs/holiday-camps

Dec. 19-22, 27-30 Join us this winter for some exciting holiday fun! From swimming, baking, sports activities, arts and crafts, field trips and much more! Ages 5-12. Kinningham Park 512-218-5540 www.roundrockrecreation.com

ROUND ROCK PARK ADAPTIVE HOLIDAY CAMP Dec. 21-23, 28-30 This Adaptive Youth Day Camp is for youth (ages 6-12) and teen (ages 13-21) with disabilities. This program offers daily activities, including swimming, field trips, arts and

December 2016 l austinfamily.com

The best decision 4TH GRADE WINNER

I ever made . . . 5TH GRADE WINNER

Hannah Son, Laurel Mountain Elementary

Tulsi Joglekar, Harmony School of Political Science

The best decision I ever made is to try learning how to read in kindergarten. Before I went to kindergarten I never read. I only looked at the pictures and made up my own story. I thought everyone did that and that was the normal way, but oh, boy I was wrong. When kindergarten started the hard hammer hit! I was so embarrassed that I couldn’t read while other kids read like pros. It left me feeling very stupid. Since I could not read I had to read super boring books like Dick and Jane. One dreadful day, my teacher Mrs.Lampman tested our skills in reading. Finally it was my turn to get tested. I took a huge breath and walked to Mrs.Lampman to get tested. I tried to read those words but they were confusing and I began to sob. I felt so sad and jealous of those kids who can read well. My teacher looked at me kindly and said “Hannah, it is okay. You are just a late bloomer. That can be all for today’s testing” in a gentle voice. I quickly walked away, for I knew that I failed the test. When I got home I said nothing about the test. I calmly got out my Dick and Jane book. I opened the book and began to read like DDDick aaand JJane wwwent ttoo ppplay. My voice shook as I read. It took a very long time to finish the book but I didn’t give up. After many months of practicing, the magic day came. I could read!! I comprehended words! The words were beautiful as stars. It was easy! How was this ever hard? As a fourth grader, reading is one of my strengths and I got a 100 on the STAAR. If I could say something to kids who have difficulty in reading, I would say, “Keep on reading and never give up!”

The best decision I have ever made, in my whole entire life, was to adopt my dog, Rishi. Rishi is brave and timid at the same time. He is a rescue dog and was adopted from the Austin German Shepherd Rescue Organization two years ago. The people there said that when they found Rishi, he had kidney failure, malnutrition, heartworm infection, and patches of hair were missing. Rishi also yelps when someone even lightly touches his hind legs or back. I realize now that Rishi was likely abused badly. I also realize that many kind people have worked together to save his life by donating thousands of dollars for his treatment and caring for him to bring him back to health. I want to thank the vet who took care of him and the rescue workers who donated their time and energy and gave him lots of love so he could get better. The world sometimes seems scary and full of mean people but being with Rishi has helped me realize that I can be kind and should always be loving. The best decision in my life was asking for Rishi to be a part of our family. He is so smart and so brave, and plays with me, my brother and my friends, and he is so very cute. Most of all he is so devoted and sweet to everyone around him. I wouldn’t be the same without him.

Mrs.Lampman, thank you for teaching me how to read.

4TH GRADE RUNNER-UP

5TH GRADE RUNNER-UP

Rowen Mansell, Serene Hills Elementary

Abrar Rahman, Harmony School of Political Science

Last Saturday, it was my softball game. I was going up to be batter. The pitcher was tall and very scary, but I was ready to bat! I started tapping my feet and biting my lip. I had butterflies in my stomach, but then everyone was shouting my name. I felt like a fox waiting for the right moment to catch its prey. I was smiling so big that I was no longer scared. Finally, I stepped on home plate and raised my bat. The pitcher was winding her arms back. She was in her starting position. She threw the ball at me. I was ready to hit it, but then it went sideways, heading to my leg! SMACK! The green, hard ball hit me in the leg! I was in agony. I was crying so hard I could see rivers forming on the ground. My coaches came running to my side. They checked my leg. I could see a purple outline of the ball on my leg. They said I could go sit down, but I knew if I didn't get to the first base, my team would lose. I had a big choice to make. Would I sit down and not get to first base, or would I try to make it? I was in a lot of pain, but I did it for my team. Sadly, we did not win the game, but at least I earned a point for my team because I cared. My coach gave me the game ball because of my dedication. I care for my team a lot. They cheered me on even though we were totally going to lose. But from that day on, I have had the purple bruise on my leg.

I have made many good choices, but the one that I am very happy and proud of was my decision to visit my grandparents in Bangladesh during the summer of 2014. I had lots of fun there, visiting new places, trying out new food and the best part was that I got to spend time with my family members. I learned and lot on that trip. One evening, when I went out with my parents to a mall, I saw a kid begging for money. It broke my heart. That kid was about my age. At that time, I was standing in front of a big mall with a toy in my hand. I asked my dad “where are his parents?”. My dad said he is “poor and could even be an orphan”. The boy walked out of our sight before we could talk to him. On that day, I felt helpless because I couldn’t do anything for him. I thought for many days how can I help the needy and the poor. Days went by and I still felt helpless. Then one day, I woke up and I remembered that it was my birthday. After having all the fun and gifts I went to sleep. The next day, I did some research on charity organizations that help kids. I asked my parents if I can donate my gifts to the charity. They agreed to my suggestion. When I donated all my gifts, I felt so happy, to me this was the best birthday gift. That day, one very important lesson I learned was that it feels great to help the less fortunate. My summer trip taught me a lifelong lesson, which I will never forget.

December 2016 l austinfamily.com

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Give the gift of

Dance Discovery this holiday season!

Gift Certificates on sale only $35 for 4 class meetings in the month of January (new reg. only) 512.658.2996 â&#x20AC;˘ 512.419.7611 DanceDiscovery.com

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BY MARGARET NICKLAS

Shopping For Gifts?

We Test Drove Cool Possibilities Selecting winter holiday gifts for children can be a challenge, especially when you strive to combine educational benefit, affordability and fun. Here is a look at five toys that may give you some food for thought, including reactions from a few local families (including mine).

The IKOS blocks are a versatile toy.

The first and perhaps the simplest product we looked at is called IKOS, a toy intended to stimulate creative thinking and problem solving. Designed for kids 6 years and up, IKOS are multicolored, interlocking plastic pieces that can be pressed together into interesting shapes. This versatile toy was a hit with my 10-year-old son, who loved creating a sphere and other forms, even though getting the pieces to stay together was sometimes challenging. In contrast, his 8-year-old friend and the only girl amongst our “testers,” found it frustrating and lost interest quickly. The company reports that the toy, which can easily fit in a stocking and sells for about $20, is made out of recycled

plastic—a bonus for gift-givers who like to shop “green.” We tried out another building toy called the National Geographic Laser Peg Dinosaur—a product very similar to Legos. My son enjoyed assembling the T-Rex, which occupied him for more than an hour. He found the instructions easy to follow. Once the toy was built and the batteries added, the creature lit up. Settings enabled the lights to blink at different speeds and to be triggered by sounds, like clapping or calling out, which he also found very appealing. The package says the Laser Peg Dinosaur is good for 5 year olds and up, but I think children that young might

The Laser Peg Dinosaur occupied my son for more than an hour.

find the tiny pieces and construction process difficult. The set sells for $42 to $70 (depending on the vendor), which may be worth spending if your child loves building and deconstructing: one set contains the parts to make up to 24 different dinosaurs.

December 2016 l austinfamily.com

Our whole family loved playing Dr. Eureka.

Dr. Eureka may be my favorite item sampled. It’s a very simple game that takes skill and concentration, intended for players 8 or older. I found it a refreshing change from games that use boards, pegs and dice. Players manipulate hard plastic balls into and out of test tubes to create a designated pattern, and the first to do it accurately wins. It’s harder than it sounds, and racing to beat your competitors really adds to the fun. Our whole family loved it, and we laughed at ourselves for getting so serious about it, because though it seems simple, it requires logical thinking, coordination and speed. At about $20, Dr. Eureka is affordable, simple and fun, making it a great choice for kids and adults alike. We and another family checked out Cubetto, a toy designed to teach 3 to

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6 year olds about coding. This cute, clever, battery-powered product consists of a wooden cube that can be given commands to move in different directions using a wooden control board and coding blocks. Its manufacturers say it’s the only screen-less programming toy out there and note that it’s also great for non-sighted and other special needs children because of its physical design and the way it combines movement, touch and sound. I found it pretty straightforward to set up and operate, although adult assistance and guidance is definitely required. Some other users found the instructions confusing. The children who tried out the toy enjoyed it, though even the 5 and 6 year olds may have been too old for it, because their interest waned after getting the basic idea. Three and 4 year olds might well experience more lasting engagement. Additional “activity packs” can also be purchased to give users more to do once they have mastered what comes with the set, but at $225 for the basic package, Cubetto is already a pretty significant investment.

enjoy, as well as high quality materials that would make good teaching aids. Receiving monthly packages is probably one of the main attractions to this product for kids, although parents may not enjoy the ensuing accumulation of “stuff.” Annual Little Passports subscriptions cost $12 to $18 per month, while month-to-month subscriptions are available for a bit more. af

Little Passports introduces kids to geography.

Margaret Nicklas is an Austin-based freelance journalist, writer and mom who covers public affairs, public health and the well-being of children.

We also looked at Little Passports, a subscription-based gift that introduces kids to geography and other topics via a monthly kit that arrives in the mail. Of the four available subscriptions,

Cubetto is designed to teach 3 to 6 year olds about coding.

we checked out the Early Explorers, intended for children aged 3 to 5. Our “testers” were a bit older than the target age, but they still liked the cute little suitcase, the large world map and a fishing game that came with one of the monthly packages. The kit also had activity books, stickers and several other small toys that preschoolers would likely Pick us up at HEB, Whole Foods and Central Market

December 2015 l austinfamily.com

t the restaurant a young girl fidgets in her chair. The server places a tall glass of milk in front of her. “What do you say?” reminds her mother. “Thank you,” responds the child dutifully. As parents, we often play a role in this scene. But what are we teaching? Ben Hall, father of 9-year-old Ella, asks, “Does the child feel thankful when she says ‘thank you’ after being reminded? I don’t think so.” Reflecting on his own childhood, Hall believes such an interaction merely “forces good behavior or manners.” He suggests real gratitude is “similar to appreciation and awareness,” something he and Ella’s mother are mindful of teaching their child.

build lasting social connections. She is also less likely to suffer from depression or engage in antisocial behavior. But can gratitude be taught? Wendy Mather, social worker and former facilitator with The Virtues Project, believes a lot of the teaching amounts to good modeling. She says parents “must cultivate the virtue of gratitude for themselves before they teach it to their children…It’s more than just writing ‘thank you’ cards. It’s the ability to convey our feelings of appreciation and thanks out loud and silently for the good and not so good in life.” The language we choose communicates much. Occasional venting to one’s spouse can provide relief at the end of a tough week. But it shouldn’t be common fodder for conversation with our kids. Instead of describing the cashier as “crabby,” we can show empathy by saying, “She must not be having a very good day.” Or we can focus on the positive: “That woman

child in the act of practicing gratitude,” and label it. During a snack you might say, “You are grateful for that juicy pear; I can tell by how much you smile as you eat it!” Or when your child becomes immersed in collecting stones at the creek rather than sticking to your scheduled hike, take time to notice her appreciation of nature’s offerings. Parenting can be all encompassing. Busy moms and dads find it challenging to eat well, get enough sleep and exercise regularly. But according to Mather, such self-care is important in our practice of gratitude. She says, “We tend to run on auto pilot when we feel run down, tired and stressed. We can truly savor and appreciate our riches, in whatever form…when we take care of ourselves.” Ben Hall believes “we teach gratitude in times of quiet reflection.” He echoes the need for breathing space, both as an individual and as a family. In today’s 24/7 whirlwind of technology-enhanced communication and entertainment,

Practicing Gratitude: It’s More Than Good Manners BY ASHLEY TALMADGE

Experts suggest Hall is onto something. Certainly good manners are important. But true gratitude runs deeper and does more than foster civility. Several recent studies suggest that gratitude is the single best predictor of well being. A child who feels and expresses gratitude for the people, experiences and things in her life is more likely to demonstrate resilience, do well in school and

behind us was so understanding when I couldn’t find my bank card. I really appreciated her patience.” As Mather says, “Model patience and understanding and optimism when it comes to dealing with trials and tribulations. Life’s challenges are our biggest teachers.” In addition to modeling, Mather encourages parents to “catch your

December 2015 l austinfamily.com

creating those islands of tranquility can be difficult. Yet, intentional transitions between the varied spheres of our lives—work, school, community, home—allow us to reflect on, learn from and appreciate our experiences. Hall says a period of silence before a meal allows us to “consider the presence of the food, the cook and the origin of the food.” Rather than an entitlement, the

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13 Ways to Grow Gratitude

food becomes a blessing and a gift— one for which we are truly grateful.

1. Choose the language of optimism.

And the best part? Gratitude produces more of the same. A grateful person is more likely to reciprocate and to provide support to a third party, thus contributing to stronger familial and community bonds. As Mather says, “When we express appreciation we attract gratitude. It’s a language of love and connection.” af

Focus on gifts, blessings and abundance rather than needs and entitlements.

2. Ask for help. Even when it’s not “time prudent,” ask your kids to help with household tasks. 3. Thank specifically. Let your child know exactly why you’re grateful. “Thank you for reading to Sammy this afternoon. He really loved

Ashley Talmadge is a freelance writer and mother of two boys.

snuggling with you.” 4. Observe silence before a meal. Take a few moments to think about the food and how it got to the table. 5. Recount the best of the day. At bedtime, ask your child to describe what was best about her day. 6. Create a gratitude jar. Write (or draw) the things you’re grateful for, and collect them in a jar. Read them as a group each week. 7. Make a collage. Use pictures, words, fabric and small objects to represent the things you’re grateful for, and discuss as a family.

8. Volunteer. Find organizations in your community with kid-friendly helping options. 9. Pass it around. Sit in a circle. Each person tells something they like about the person on the right. 10. Random acts of kindness. At the

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drive-through, pay for the car behind you—and let your child in on the secret. 11. Don’t overindulge. Resist the “Everyone has___” and “I need it for ___” arguments. 12. Make them earn it. Extra chores and helping neighbors are great ways to make some pocket

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money. 13. Turn it around. When faced with a challenge, find the silver lining by asking: “What did I learn from this?” “Is there something I can be grateful for?”

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

Pick us up at HEB, Whole Foods and Central Market AustinFamily_Dec.indd

December 2015 l austinfamily.com 11/10/2016 2:57:28 PM

BY RICHARD SINGLETON

CHOOSE NEW TECH-GIFTING OPTIONS BIG AND SMALL an it really be time to talk holiday gifts? I’m not ready. But for you, our faithful readers, I’m willing to dive in. And there is a lot to talk about!

of yarn possible, while still keeping the functionality of that cable at the end of your keys instead of lost in the rubble of your junk drawer.

The latest and greatest gadgets are out. Which ones look good? Which ones fit your budget? Which ones do you want to pile under the tree with secret dreams of getting your turn to press the power button? Ho. Ho. Ho. Like Buddy the Elf with glee and a good heart, let’s survey the options, from stocking stuffers to budget busters.

Okay, the sweet spot—gifts that keep on giving, without taking you for a trip to the cardiologist. Increasingly, we love our wireless world. We love streaming music, 24/7 news and podcasts of every flavor. We’re also busy, rushed and hitting the ground running from the time the alarm sounds until our heads hit the pillow. How about relaxing, smooth jazz flowing from your showerhead? Yep, a showerhead speaker. Whether it’s ending the day with your favorite sports

Let’s start with cool tech that doesn’t freeze your accounts. How about a little spice for your tech palate? Cord tacos. No, your favorite taco truck isn’t serving a Silicon Valley culinary fusion menu. Cord tacos are like little wallets for your peskiest cords. This would be a great choice to keep your earbuds from tangling like a ball of yarn or your USB cable from disappearing into the dark valleys of your handbag. Or go the direction of the Native Union key cable. If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em. That’s the approach of this nifty cable system. Rather than try to keep the cable untangled, the Native Union approach is to make the very best ball

December 2016 l austinfamily.com

show or filling your spiritual cup with a self-help podcast, this speaker washes away your worries. But suppose you like to keep your speakers in your ears and away from the water. Earbuds have gone to the next level. Apple has broken the sound barrier with their wireless Air Pods. They’re a little pricy, but the functionality and the “it just works” factor that Apple always seems to muster make these a compelling choice for the Apple nation. Finally, here are a couple of ideas for the big spender. Maybe you’ve come into an inheritance or won the lottery. Maybe you’re a hard working, money-earning machine or you just love to be in debt. There are countless tech goodies you could choose from, but I want to highlight two: the new 2016 MacBook Pro and the category-creating Surface Studio from Microsoft. Both machines have broken new ground (and both could break the bank, if you’re not careful). Apple has 13- and 15-inch versions with an interesting new Touch Bar feature. You can get in the game for $1,799, but if you want to move to the front seats of the tech arena, you’ll have to pay a whopping $2,799—and these prices are before any upgrades. Fully

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"The latest and greatest gadgets are out. Which ones look good? Which ones fit your budget? Which ones do you want to pile under the tree with secret dreams of getting your turn to press the power button?"

outfitted with all the bells and whistles will run you $4,299. Whoa. Then there’s the machine that literally made me almost shed tears when I watched it in action and dreamed what my kids might do if they could unleash their creative potential with it: the Surface Studio from Microsoft. At first, it looks like an iMac wannabe, but then the lights come on, the curtains lift and the sparks fly. Tilted at any angle you want and paired with the new Surface Dial—a $99 peripheral that makes on-screen options come alive—Surface Studio transforms into something like a space-age drafting table. Words don’t do it justice. Just go watch it in action. For artists, architects and the like, this is a game changing device and it costs game changing money. It starts at $2,999, but if you want the full sizzle, it will cost you a jaw-dropping $4,199. You could easily find something for half that price with innards just as good or better. But, you’d never match the one-of-a-kind experience. So, there you have it. Now it’s time to decide just how much gift-giving glory you want to pursue. There are so many options. Be wise and always remember that no matter what the gift, the meaning of the gift is about the relationship. af

Richard Singleton, MACE, MAMFC, LPC, is the executive director at STARRY in Round Rock.

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December 2016 l austinfamily.com

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PIENSA POSITIVO

by Leslie Montoya, life coach and host of Despierta Austin

Auto Control con Personas/Momentos Difíciles Si buscáramos en Google cuales son las razones principales por las que cualquier tipo de relación no termina bien al momento de hablar de diferencias, la comunicación está al inicio de la lista. Sin embargo, me he dado cuenta que la raíz de una mala comunicación es la falta de autoconciencia. Si la persona estuviera consciente de cómo desea que su comunicación impacte a la situación difícil estaría alcanzando total auto control en decidir si le afecta o no. En momentos difíciles, pregúntate: ¿Quiero destruir o construir? … ¡Piensa positivo!

Self-Control with Difficult People/Moments If you search Google for the main reasons why a relationship doesn’t end well when talking about differences, communication is at the top of the list. But I’ve realized that the root of bad communication is a lack of self-awareness. If you are aware of how you want your communication to impact a difficult situation, you can achieve self-control in deciding whether it affects you or not. In difficult times, ask yourself: Do I want to destroy or build? … Think positive!

WINTER: Dec 16,19,20,21,22,27,28,29,30,Jan 2

THANKSGIVING: Nov 21, 22

Ages 3 & up Full or Partial day… 2 locations* Gymnastics Holiday crafts Field trips Gym Sport

Games Movies Obstacle courses Inflatable

*Activities, dates, times & ages vary among locations

Pflugerville

512-251-2439

McNeil

512-219-9930

capgym.com Pick us up at HEB, Whole Foods and Central Market

December 2016 l austinfamily.com

December COMP I LED BY BETTY KEMP ER

2016 calendar

Museum Exhibits pg 36 • Family Events pg 36 • Parenting Events pg 41 • Story Times pg 42 ++ Denotes event occurs on multiple dates

Museum Exhibits

ZILKER HOLIDAY TREE AND TRAIL OF LIGHTS ++

6 to 11:30 p.m. Zilker Park, 2100 Barton Springs Rd. FREE. austintexas.gov.

DETECTING THE PAST

Through Dec. 31. Capitol Visitors Center, 112 E. 11th St. LEGO NIGHT FREE. tspb.texas.gov or 512‑305‑8400. 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Taylor Public Library, 801 Vance St., Taylor. FREE. taylortx.gov. ELLIOTT ERWITT: HOME AROUND THE WORLD Through Jan. 1. Harry Ransom Center, 300 W. 21st St. FREE. hrc.utexas.edu or 512‑471‑8944.

A CHRISTMAS CAROL ++

8 p.m. ZACH Theatre, 1510 Toomey Rd. zachtheatre.org or 512‑476‑0541.

HOLIDAY MODEL TRAIN SHOW

Through Jan. 6. ArtSpace, 231 E. Main St., Round Rock. FREE. roundrockarts.org or 512‑218‑7099. STATE OF DECEPTION AND THE BUTTERFLY PROJECT

Through Jan. 8. Bullock Museum, 1800 N. Congress Ave. $8 youth; $12 adult. thestoryoftexas.com or 512‑936‑8746.

BABES IN TOYLAND ++

8 p.m. Sam Bass Theatre, 600 N. Lee St., Round Rock. From $15.

FRIDAY 2 WINTER WONDERLAND CRAFT SHOW

9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Calvary Apostolic Church, 2701 Sam Bass Rd., Round Rock. FREE. roundrocktexas.gov or 512‑876‑0562.

WARHOL BY THE BOOK

Through Jan. 29. Blanton Museum, 200 E. MLK Blvd. $5 youth; $9 adult. blantonmuseum.org or 512‑471‑5482.

SPROUTS ++

10 to 11 a.m. Johnson Wildflower Center, 4801 La Crosse Ave. FREE with admission. wildflower.org or 512‑232‑0100.

ORLY GENGER: HURLYBURLY

Through Feb. 74 Trinity St. FREE. thecontemporaryaustin.org.

Family Events

LITERATURE LIVE! PRESENTS THE NUTCRACKER

10:15 a.m. University Hills Branch, 4721 Loyola Ln. FREE. library.austintexas.gov or 512‑974‑9940. ANNUAL CHRISTMAS STROLL

THURSDAY 1 FIRST THURSDAY

5 to 10 p.m. S. Congress Ave., Barton Springs Rd. to Elizabeth St. FREE. firstthursday.info. STARRY NIGHTS AT GIRLSTART

5:30 to 7 p.m. Girlstart, 1400 W. Anderson Ln. FREE. girlstart.org or 512‑916‑4775.

5 to 9 p.m. Downtown Georgetown. FREE. thegeorge‑ townsquare.com. FIRST FRIDAY ART WALK

5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Downtown Bastrop. FREE. bastropdowntown.com. FIRST FRIDAY

ROCK’N LIGHTS HOLIDAY LIGHT TOUR ++

6 to 10 p.m. Old Settlers Park, 3300 E. Palm Valley Blvd., Round Rock. $15. roundrocktexas.gov.

MAIN STREET BETHLEHEM ++

6 to 9 p.m. 108 S. Vanderveer, Burnet. FREE. fbcburnet. org or 512‑756‑4481. CHRISTMAS FAMILY NIGHT

6:30 to 9 p.m. Main St. Plaza, 221 E. Main St., Round Rock. FREE. roundrocktexas.gov or 512‑341‑3361. CONTINUING: A Christmas Carol see Thursday 1; Babes in Toyland see Thursday 1; Rock’N Lights Holiday Light Tour see Thursday 1; Zilker Holiday Tree and Trail of Lights see Thursday 1.

SATURDAY 3 BUDA FEST

All day. Downtown Buda. FREE. budafest.org. HOLIDAY BY THE TRACKS

All day. 109 Depot St., Elgin. FREE. elgintx.com or 817‑929‑2789. LIGHTED CHRISTMAS PARADE

All day. 109 Depot St., Elgin. FREE. elgintx.com or 512‑281‑6344. SEMBRANDO HERENCIA 2016 - BORINKI SOY!

All day. PRFD Dance, 701 Tillery St. prfdance.org or 512‑251‑8122. FLEA MARKET DAYS

7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Elgin Memorial Park, 1127 N. Main St., Elgin. FREE. elgintx.com. MADRONE CANYON HIKE

8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Laura's Library, 9411 Bee Cave Rd. FREE. westbanklibrary.com or 512‑327‑3045. NATURE PLAY HOUR ++

10 to 11 a.m. Johnson Wildflower Center, 4801 La Crosse Ave. FREE with admission. wildflower.org or 512‑232‑0100. WHAT'S THE STORY STEVE? ++

6 to 8 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday. Williamson Museum, 716 S. Austin Ave., Georgetown. FREE. williamsonmuseum.org or 512‑943‑1670.

10 to 11 a.m. ColdTowne Theater, 4803 Airport Blvd. $5. moveyourtale.com. GERMAN CHRISTMAS MARKET

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

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

December 2016 l austinfamily.com

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SATURDAY ACADEMY ++

1 to 3 p.m. Great Hall Games, 2521 Rutland Dr. FREE. greathallgames.org or 512‑505‑0055. HARRY POTTER PARTY

2 p.m. Howson Branch Library, 2500 Exposition Blvd. FREE. library.austintexas.gov or 512‑974‑8800. HOLIDAY EXTRAVAGANZA ++

2 to 3 p.m. TexArts, 2300 Lohman's Spur, Lakeway, $15. tex-arts.org or 512‑852‑9079. Photo Courtesy of Downtown Austin Alliance

Holiday Sing -along and Downtown Stroll, Dec. 3 VIOLET CROWN ARTS FESTIVAL

10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Brentwood Elementary, 6700 Arroyo Seco. FREE. violetcrowncommunity.org. CHARLOTTE'S WEB

11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Zach Theatre, 1421 W. Riverside Dr. From $16. zachtheatre.org or 512‑476‑0541. SNOW QUEEN ++

11 a.m. Scottish Rite Theater, 207 W. 18th St. $12. scottishritetheater.org or 512‑472‑5436. OLD TOWN CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL

11 a.m. to 8 p.m. 100 N. Brushy St., Leander. FREE. leandertx.gov.

A CHRISTMAS CAROL ++

2:30 p.m. Zach Theatre, 1510 Toomey Rd. zachtheatre. org or 512‑476‑0541. 90 DAYS AND SOME SURPRISES!

4 to 8 p.m. Art for the People, 1711 S. 1st Street. FREE. artforthepeoplegallery.com or 512‑761‑4708. FIRST SATURDAY SIDEWALK SALE

5 to 8 p.m. Downtown Elgin. FREE. elgintx.com. HOLIDAY SING-ALONG AND DOWNTOWN STROLL

6 to 9 p.m. Downtown Austin, 9th to 11th Sts. FREE. downtownaustin.com. CONTINUING: Babes in Toyland see Thursday 1; Rock’N Lights Holiday Light Tour see Thursday 1; Zilker Holiday Tree and Trail of Lights see Thursday 1; Main Street Bethlehem see Friday 2; Winter Wonderland see Friday 2.

12,000 sq ft wonderland of

Open daily 9am - 9pm until Dec. 24th except Sundays noon - 6pm

Pick us up at HEB, Whole Foods and Central Market

toys

In-store espresso bar! Artists of all ages in the gallery!

December 2016 l austinfamily.com

SUNDAY 4

CONTINUING: Rock’N Lights Holiday Light Tour see Thursday 1; Zilker Holiday Tree and Trail of Lights see Thursday 1.

ELF THE MUSICAL

11:30 a.m. Center Stage Texas, 2826 Real St. $13. cityseeker.com or 512‑391‑1800.

TUESDAY 6 AS TIME GOES BY

FAIR TRADE MARKET

10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mary Gearing Hall, 200 W. 24th St. FREE. utexas.edu.

12 to 1:30 p.m. First Austin, 901 Trinity St. FREE. firstaustin.org or 512‑476‑2625.

ANNUAL TOWER LIGHTING

FREE FIRST SUNDAYS

12 to 5 p.m. Bullock Museum, 1800 N. Congress Ave. FREE. thestoryoftexas.com or 512‑936‑8746.

Photo Courtesy of Umlauf Sculpture Garden and Museum.

FREE FIRST SUNDAYS

Family Day at the Umlauf, Dec. 11

1 to 4 p.m. Neill-Cochran House Museum, 2310 San Gabriel St. FREE. nchmuseum.org or 512‑478‑2335.

CHRISTMAS FAIR

4 p.m. First Austin, 901 Trinity St. FREE. firstaustin.org or 512‑476‑2625. CONTINUING: A Christmas Carol see Saturday 3; Holiday Extravaganza see Saturday 3; Main Street Bethlehem see Friday 2; Rock’N Lights Holiday Light Tour see Thursday 1; Snow Queen see Saturday 3; Zilker Holiday Tree and Trail of Lights see Thursday 1; Sembrando Herencia 2016 - Borinki Soy! see Saturday 3; Violet Crown Festival, see Saturday 3; Holiday Extravaganza see Saturday 3.

5:30 p.m. Mueller Control Tower, Berkman Dr. FREE. Family Board Game Night 5:30 p.m. Faulk Central Library, 800 Guadalupe St. FREE. library.austintexas.gov or 512‑974‑7400. CINDERELLA

8 p.m. Bass Concert Hall, 2350 Robert Dedman Dr. texasperformingarts.org or 512‑477‑6060. CONTINUING: Rock’N Lights Holiday Light Tour see Thursday 1; Zilker Holiday Tree and Trail of Lights see Thursday 1.

WEDNESDAY 7 SPACE 8: A MAKER LAB ++

2 to 8 p.m. The Thinkery, 1830 Simond Ave. Free with admission. thinkeryaustin.org. COMMUNITY NIGHT ++

4 to 8 p.m. The Thinkery, 1830 Simond Ave. By donation. thinkeryaustin.org.

MONDAY 5 STORY TIME IN THE GARDEN

10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Zilker Botanical Garden, 2220 Barton Springs Rd. $1-3. zilkergarden.org or 512‑477‑8672.

ARTS AND CRAFT DAY

4:30 p.m. Elgin Library, 404 N. Main St., Elgin. FREE. elgintx.com or 512‑281‑5678.

December at the Bullock Museum December 1–14

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them in Laser IMAX!

December 8 & 22

Little Texans (Dec. 8, 10 am) Holiday Story Time for Toddlers (Dec. 22, 10 am)

December 5–11 Bullock Museum Store Sale

December 15–30 Rogue 1 A Star Wars Story 3D in Laser IMAX!

December 3 The Muppet Christmas Carol on 35mm (1 pm)

December 2016 l austinfamily.com

1800 N. Congress | theSTORYofTEXAS.com View the magazine online at austinfamily.com

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AUSTIN BARN DANCERS ++

7:30 to 9:45 p.m. Hancock Rec Center, 811 E. 41st St. FREE. austinbarndancers.org or 512‑453‑4225.

CINDERELLA

11 a.m., 3:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. Bass Concert Hall, 2350 Robert Dedman Dr. texasperformingarts.org or 512‑477‑6060.

CONTINUING: A Christmas Carol see Thursday 1; Rock’N Lights Holiday Light Tour see Thursday 1; Sprouts see Friday 2; Zilker Holiday Tree and Trail of Lights see Thursday 1; Cinderella see Tuesday 6.

SECOND SATURDAYS

THURSDAY 8

THE NUTCRACKER ++

LITTLE TEXANS

10 to 11 a.m. Bullock Museum, 1800 N. Congress Ave. FREE. thestoryoftexas.com or 512‑936‑8746. SIP, SHOP AND STROLL

5 to 8 p.m. Downtown Elgin. FREE. elgintx.com or 512‑229‑3227.

Academy see Saturday 3; Snow Queen see Saturday 3; What's the Story Steve? see Saturday 3.

SUNDAY 11 FAMILY DAY

11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Laguna Gloria, 3809 W. 35th St. FREE. thecontemporaryaustin.org or 512‑458‑8191.

12 to 4 p.m. Umlauf Sculpture Garden, 605 Robert E. Lee Rd. FREE. umlaufsculpture.org or 512‑445‑5582. CINDERELLA

2 to 3 p.m. St. Michael's Academy, 3000 Barton Creek Blvd. $15. tex-arts.org or 512‑852‑9079. CONTINUING: A Christmas Carol see Saturday 3; Zilker Holiday Tree and Trail of Lights see Thursday 1; Rock’N Lights Holiday Light Tour see Thursday 1; Main Street Bethlehem see Friday 2; Nature Play Hour see Saturday 3; Saturday

1 p.m. Bass Concert Hall, 2350 Robert Dedman Dr. texasperformingarts.org or 512‑477‑6060. CONTINUING: Rock’N Lights Holiday Light Tour see Thursday 1; Zilker Holiday Tree and Trail of Lights see Thursday 1; Main Street Bethlehem see Friday 2; A Christmas Carol see Saturday 3; Snow Queen see Saturday 3; The Nutcracker see Saturday 10; Bright Leaf Guided Hikes see Saturday 10.

TWEEN/TEEN NIGHT

6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Taylor Public Library, 801 Vance St., Taylor. FREE. taylortx.gov or 512‑352‑3434. CONTINUING: A Christmas Carol see Thursday 1; Rock’N Lights Holiday Light Tour see Thursday 1; Zilker Holiday Tree and Trail of Lights see Thursday 1; Cinderella see Tuesday 6.

Give Them An EDUCATION They’ll Carry FOREVER.

FRIDAY 9 MINIATURE HORSES

10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Lake Travis Community Library, 1938 Lohmans Crossing. FREE. TREE LIGHTING AND SANTA'S WORKSHOP

6 to 9 p.m. Heritage Oak Park, 875 Quest Pkwy., Cedar Park. FREE. cedarparktexas.gov or 512‑401‑5500. DAY OF TANGO FESTIVAL

7 to 11:59 p.m. Ben Hur Shrine Auditorium, 7811 Rockwood Ln. $45+. dayoftango.org or 512‑695‑1024. CONTINUING: A Christmas Carol see Thursday 1; Rock’N Lights Holiday Light Tour see Thursday 1; Zilker Holiday Tree and Trail of Lights see Thursday 1; Sprouts see Friday 2; Main Street Bethlehem see Friday 2; Cinderella see Tuesday 6.

SATURDAY 10 BRIGHT LEAF GUIDED HIKES ++

9 to 11:30 a.m. Bright Leaf Preserve, 2222 and Creek Mountain Rd. FREE. brightleaf.org or 512‑459‑7269. PINE STREET MARKET DAYS

9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Downtown Bastrop. FREE. bastrop‑ texas.net. SABADOS EN FAMILIA

10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Mexican American Culture Center, 600 River St. FREE. maccaustin.org or 512‑974‑3772. HANDS ON HISTORY

10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Williamson Museum, 716 S. Austin Ave., Georgetown. FREE. williamsonmuseum.org or 512‑943‑1670. CHRISTMAS DREAMS & SNOWY THINGS

Consider Catholic Education at a School in Your Area: Elementary/Middle Schools Cathedral School of Saint Mary • Holy Family Catholic School • St. Austin Catholic School St. Gabriel’s Catholic School • St. Helen Catholic School, Georgetown St. Ignatius Martyr Catholic School • St. Louis Catholic School • St. Theresa’s Catholic School Santa Cruz Catholic School, Buda • St. Mary’s Catholic School, Taylor

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. CHASCO Family YMCA, 1812 N. Mays St., Round Rock. FREE. ymcagwc.org or 512‑246‑9622. DOWNTOWN CHRISTMAS FAIR

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 100 East St., Hutto. FREE. hutto.org. Pick us up at HEB, Whole Foods and Central Market

High Schools St. Dominic Savio Catholic High School • St. Michael’s Catholic Academy San Juan Diego Catholic High School

www.CSDATX.org December 2016 l austinfamily.com

MONDAY 12

THURSDAY 15

CONTINUING: Rock’N Lights Holiday Light Tour see Thursday 1; Zilker Holiday Tree and Trail of Lights see Thursday 1.

SCIENCE THURSDAY

TUESDAY 13

10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bullock Museum, 1800 N. Congress Ave. Free for pre-registered groups. thestoryoftexas. com or 512‑936‑8746. THIRD THURSDAYS

BFG

6:30 p.m. Twin Oaks Branch Library, 1800 S. 5th St. FREE. library.austintexas.gov or 512‑974‑3625. HOLIDAY CELEBRATION

10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Blanton Museum, 200 E. MLK Blvd. FREE. blantonmuseum.org or 512‑471‑5482. HOLIDAY BIG SING

5:30 p.m. Blanton Museum, 200 E. MLK Blvd. FREE. blantonmuseum.org or 512‑471‑5482. Movie in the Park: How the Grinch Stole Christmas 6:30 p.m. Heritage Square, Taylor. FREE. taylortx.gov.

6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Lake Travis Library, 1938 Lohmans Crossing, Lake Travis. FREE. 512‑263‑2885. CONTINUING: Rock’N Lights Holiday Light Tour see Thursday 1; Zilker Holiday Tree and Trail of Lights see Thursday 1.

COLORING NIGHT

WEDNESDAY 14

6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Taylor Public Library, 801 Vance St., Taylor. FREE. taylortx.gov or 512‑352‑3434.

ARMADILLO CHRISTMAS BAZAAR ++

10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Palmer Events Center, 900 Barton Springs Rd. $8. THE NUTCRACKER FUN!

11 to 11:45 a.m. Ballet Austin, 501 W. 3rd St. $15. balletaustin.org or 512‑501‑8704. CONTINUING: A Christmas Carol see Thursday 1; Community Night see Wednesday 7; Rock’N Lights Holiday Light Tour see Thursday 1; Zilker Holiday Tree and Trail of Lights see Thursday 1; Sprouts see Friday 2; Space 8: A Maker Lab see Wednesday 7; Austin Barn Dancers see Wednesday 7.

CONTINUING: A Christmas Carol see Thursday 1; Rock’N Lights Holiday Light Tour see Thursday 1; Zilker Holiday Tree and Trail of Lights see Thursday 1; Armadillo Christmas Bazaar see Wednesday 14.

FRIDAY 16 A COOL YULE ++

7:30 Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday. TexArts, 2300 Lohmans Spur. tex-arts.org or 512‑634‑8589. CONTINUING: A Christmas Carol see Thursday 1; Armadillo Christmas Bazaar see Wednesday 14; Rock’N Lights Holiday Light Tour see Thursday 1; Zilker Holiday Tree and Trail of Lights see Thursday 1; Sprouts see Friday 2.

IT’S NIGHT AND DAY AFTER BRAIN BALANCE

As we went through our first month, huge things started to happen. Focus and grades have improved. The results gave us light at the end of the tunnel.” - ANGIE and DAVID S., Brain Balance Parents BRAIN BALANCE ADDRESSES: • Academic, Social or Behavioral Issues • Processing Disorders • Lack of Focus • Trouble Making Friends • Tantrums

Learn more at

BrainBalance.com

512-328-7771

Call for a free consultation.

December 2016 l austinfamily.com

• Impulsiveness • Learning Disabilities • Sensory Integration • Family/Social Relationships • ADHD

Brain Balance is a non-medical approach combining physical and sensory exercises with academic skill training and healthy nutrition. We identify the issues, then create a plan that addresses your child’s specific needs. Individual results may vary. Our advertising features actual parent testimonials.

View the magazine online at austinfamily.com

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SATURDAY 17 CONTINUING: Zilker Holiday Tree and Trail of Lights see Thursday 1; Rock’N Lights Holiday Light Tour see Thursday 1; A Christmas Carol see Saturday 3; Nature Play Hour see Saturday 3; Saturday Academy see Saturday 3; Snow Queen see Saturday 3; What's the Story Steve? see Saturday 3; Armadillo Christmas Bazaar see Wednesday 14; A Cool Yule see Friday 16.

SUNDAY 18 YIDDISH COWBOYS

1:30 to 3:30 p.m. HEB Kosher Store, 7025 Village Center Dr. FREE. 512‑502‑8459. CONTINUING: A Christmas Carol see Saturday 3; A Cool Yule see Friday 16; Armadillo Christmas Bazaar see Wednesday 14; Rock’N Lights Holiday Light Tour see Thursday 1; Zilker Holiday Tree and Trail of Lights see Thursday 1.

MONDAY 19 CONTINUING: Armadillo Christmas Bazaar see Wednesday 14; Rock’N Lights Holiday Light Tour see Thursday 1; Zilker Holiday Tree and Trail of Lights see Thursday 1.

BIRTHDAY PARTIES!

day Light Tour see Thursday 1; Sprouts see Friday 2; Zilker Holiday Tree and Trail of Lights see Thursday 1.

( For Ages 4 - 12 )

SATURDAY 24 CONTINUING: A Christmas Carol see Saturday 3; Armadillo Christmas Bazaar see Wednesday 14; Nature Play Hour see Saturday 3; Rock’N Lights Holiday Light Tour see Thursday 1; Saturday Academy see Saturday 3; What's the Story Steve? see Saturday 3; Zilker Holiday Tree and Trail of Lights see Thursday 1.

austin.madscience.org

SUNDAY 25 CONTINUING: A Christmas Carol see Saturday 3; FREE Skate Lessons see Sunday 4; Rock’N Lights Holiday Light Tour see Thursday 1; Zilker Holiday Tree and Trail of Lights see Thursday 1.

10 to 10:30 a.m. Switzer Senior Center, 410 W. 7th St., Taylor. FREE. care.com or 512‑352‑3889. CONTINUING: Lakeshore Learning Free Crafts for Kids see Thursday 1; Rock’N Lights Holiday Light Tour see Thursday 1; Zilker Holiday Tree and Trail of Lights see Thursday 1; Armadillo Christmas Bazaar see Wednesday 14.

THURSDAY 29 CONTINUING: A Christmas Carol see Thursday 1; Zilker Holiday Tree and Trail of Lights see Thursday 1.

FRIDAY 30

WEDNESDAY 21

CONTINUING: A Christmas Carol see Thursday 1; Sprouts see Friday 2; Zilker Holiday Tree and Trail of Lights see Thursday 1.

SPEAK PIECE POETRY SLAM

6 to 9 p.m. Dougherty Arts Theater, 1110 Barton Springs Rd. FREE. austintexas.gov or 512‑974‑4000.

SATURDAY 31 NOON YEAR'S EVE PARTY

CONTINUING: A Christmas Carol see Thursday 1; Armadillo Christmas Bazaar see Wednesday 14; Austin Barn Dancers see Wednesday 7; Community Night see Wednesday 7; Rock’N Lights Holiday Light Tour see Thursday 1; Space 8: A Maker Lab see Wednesday 7; Sprouts see Friday 2; Zilker Holiday Tree and Trail of Lights see Thursday 1.

11 a.m. to 12 p.m. 1938 Lohmans Crossing. FREE. ANY

4 to 10 p.m. Auditorium Shores, 800 W. Riverside Dr. FREE. austintexas.gov/any.

THURSDAY 22

CONTINUING: A Christmas Carol see Thursday 1; Armadillo Christmas Bazaar see Wednesday 14; Rock’N Lights Holiday Light Tour see Thursday 1; Zilker Holiday Tree and Trail of Lights see Thursday 1.

FRIDAY 23 TUBA CHRISTMAS

12 p.m. Texas State Capitol, 1100 Congress Ave. FREE. CONTINUING: A Christmas Carol see Thursday 1; Armadillo Christmas Bazaar see Wednesday 14; Rock’N Lights Holi-

CULTURE NIGHTS

CONTINUING: A Christmas Carol see Thursday 1; Austin Barn Dancers see Wednesday 7; Community Night see Wednesday 7; Space 8: A Maker Lab see Wednesday 7; Sprouts see Friday 2; Zilker Holiday Tree and Trail of Lights see Thursday 1.

BAYLOR SCOTT AND WHITE NUTRITIONAL CLASSES

6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Taylor Public Library, 801 Vance St., Taylor. FREE. taylortx.gov or 512‑352‑3434.

WEDNESDAY 28 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. AGE of Central Texas, 3710 Cedar St. FREE. austinpowwow.net.

TUESDAY 20

FAMILY NIGHT

512-892-1143

ANY (Austin's New Year) Dec. 31 MONDAY 26 CONTINUING: Lakeshore Learning Free Crafts for Kids see Thursday 1; Zilker Holiday Tree and Trail of Lights see Thursday 1.

TUESDAY 27 CONTINUING: Zilker Holiday Tree and Trail of Lights see Thursday 1.

Pick us up at HEB, Whole Foods and Central Market

CONTINUING: A Christmas Carol see Saturday 3; Nature Play Hour see Saturday 3; Saturday Academy see Saturday 3; What's the Story Steve? see Saturday 3; Zilker Holiday Tree and Trail of Lights see Thursday 1.

Parenting Events 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. YMCA offers a free Childhood Obesity Intervention Program on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays December 2016 l austinfamily.com

Bridges to Growth offers early childhood parenting classes throughout the month. 805 W. University Ave., Georgetown. georgetownproject. org or 512‑864‑3008. 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.

Sing for the JOY of it! Accepting new singers now!

SERVING AUSTIN AREA GIRLS AGE 8-18 SINCE 1990

www.girlschoir.com 512-453-0884

THE GIRLS' SCHOOL OF AUSTIN OPEN HOUSE TOUR ++

10 to 11 a.m. The Girls' School of Austin, 2007 McCall Rd. FREE. thegirlsschool.org or 512‑478‑7827.

BY ROCIO BARBOSA

Posadas

THURSDAY 22 BREAST CANCER WELLNESS GROUP

12 to 1:30 p.m. Scott and White Clinic, 425 University Blvd., Round Rock. FREE. RSVP required. 512‑509‑4557.

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, 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

eak: Dec 26 r B

an 3 -J

We’re scheduling placement auditions for all levels – join us!

TUESDAY 6

Winte r

throughout the month. Various locations. austinymca.org or 512‑236‑9622.

The month of December is highly anticipated by Mexicans, because we celebrate the arrival of Christmas with traditional posadas. The week leading up to Christmas, we neighbors organize ourselves for the celebration. Every afternoon we gather at a certain place in town, where we start walking on pilgrimage with candles, praying and singing carols. At the head of this pilgrimage is the Holy Family: Joseph, Mary and the baby Jesus. The people who represent Joseph and Mary are usually the same ones who organize the posadas. The baby Jesus is represented by a newborn in the town. Sometimes Mary even rides on a real donkey. Arriving at the “inn” (the party host’s house), we sing and ask for the owners to open the door for us. They let us in and we begin the party, where they serve tamales, a soup called atole, bags of popcorn and candy and tangerines. Some people present a traditional piñata in the shape of a star and filled with candy, ready to be broken open with a stick. Children and adults alike participate in hitting the piñata. The posadas last a week. Every day, we proceed to a different house with a different party. This is how we celebrate the arrival of Christmas. af Rocio Barbosa, mother of two girls, lives in Round Rock.

December 2016 l austinfamily.com

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Barnes and Noble Arboretum 10000 Research Blvd. barnesandnoble.com 512-418-8985 Barnes and Noble Bee Cave 12701 Hill Country Blvd. barnesandnoble.com 512-263-7402 Barnes and Noble Brodie 5601 Brodie Ln. barnesandnoble.com 512-892-3493 Barnes and Noble Lakeline 14010 U.S. Hwy. 183 barnesandnoble.com 512-249-5644 Barnes and Noble Round Rock 2701 Parker Rd. barnesandnoble.com 512-600-0088

BookPeople 603 N. Lamar Blvd. bookpeople.com 512-472-5050

Leander Library 1011 S. Bagdad Rd. leandertx.gov/library 512-259-5259

Cedar Park Library 550 Discovery Blvd. cedarparktx.us 512-401-5600

Pflugerville Library 1008 W. Pfluger St. tx-pflugerville3.civicplus. com 512-990-6275

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

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

Laura’s Library 9411 Bee Cave Rd. westbanklibrary.com 512-381-1400

FUNdamental

Technology Education

Robotics | Game Creation | Movie Making | Minecraft • After-school programs in Austin, Round Rock, Westlake,

Cedar Park, Leander & Dripping Springs • Available year-round for parties, special events & workshops • For ages 6 through 14 • Call for custom programs Register online it’s quick, easy and convenient! 512-415-4120 | AustinTx.BitsBytesBots.com

Pick us up at HEB, Whole Foods and Central Market

December 2016 l austinfamily.com

BY ROCIO BARBOSA

Las Posadas El mes de diciembre es muy esperado por los mexicanos en vísperas de la Navidad, porque celebramos la llegada con las posadas navideñas tradicionales. Es una semana antes de la navidad, en la cual los vecinos nos organizamos para las posadas. Por la tarde, las personas nos reunimos en un punto de la colonia, de donde partimos caminando en peregrinación con las velas encendidas y rezando y cantando los tradicionales villancicos. Adelante de la peregrinación van la Sagrada Familia: José, María y el Niñito Jesús. Los cuales son personificados por los mismos vecinos que organizamos este festejo. El niñito Jesús es prestado por alguna familia que tiene su tradicional nacimiento en casa. En ocasiones el burro en donde iba María es real. Al llegar a la casa en donde pediremos posada cantamos para que los dueños nos abran la puerta los de la casa. Nos contestan cantando también, después de eso nos dejan entrar y empieza la posada que es una fiesta en donde te ofrecen desde tamales, atole, bolsitas de palomitas con dulces y mandarinas. Algunas personas ofrecen la tradicional piñata en forma de estrella y llena de dulces lista para quebrarla a palos, en la cual niños y adultos participan. Esta celebración es por una semana. La posada la ofrece una casa diferente cada día y también es diferente lo que ofrece de cena cada dueño de las diferentes casas, de esta manera celebramos la llegada de la Navidad. af Rocio Barbosa, madre de dos hijas, vive en Round Rock.

SAME CARE, LESS COST. FastMed.com/ERvsUrgentCare

December 2016 l austinfamily.com

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KID ONE DIY

Peppermint Ornaments

Photo courtesy of HelloHomebody.com

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Spread joy and a little sweetness this holiday season with DIY peppermint candy ornaments. This craft is a perfect way for parents and kids to spend time in the kitchen together, getting creative. For this craft, adult supervision is required.

What You Need • Striped peppermint candies • Metal cookie cutters • Non-stick cooking spray • Parchment paper

Pick us up at HEB, Whole Foods and Central Market

• Toothpick • Twine

What You Do 1. With adult supervision, pre-heat the oven to 350F. 2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. 3. Spray the inside of each metal cookie cutter with non-stick cooking spray. 4. Lay cookie cutters onto the parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Fill each cookie cutter with a layer of candies. 5. With adult supervision, bake the creations for 3 – 9 minutes. Keep a careful eye on the candies; once the mints have melted, remove the baking sheet from the oven with potholders. 6. Lightly coat a toothpick with cooking spray and use the toothpick to make a small hole in each ornament while the candies are still hot. 7. Let the ornaments sit in the cookie cutters until the candies re-harden. Once the candy is hard and cooled, pull the cookie cutters apart slightly and pop out the ornament. 8. Run twine through the small hole you made with the toothpick, and enjoy your homemade holiday ornament. The YMCA of Austin encourages creative exploration, and that starts by engaging young minds throughout the year. This holiday season, we offer two weeks of holiday camps in Austin, Buda and Manor. Kids can build self-confidence, independence and creativity in a safe, supportive environment. Visit AustinYMCA.org or call 512 322 9622 for more information.

December 2016 l austinfamily.com

focus on advertisement

doctors

Dr. Barakah Day ADC Circle C Dr. Day is a board-certified pediatrician. She received her medical degree from the University of Texas Medical School at San Antonio and completed her internship and residency at the University of Texas Southwestern – Austin, Dell Children’s Medical Center of Central Texas. Now accepting appointments at 512-901-1111. See ad on page 48 Dr. Rachel Montgomery Lonestar Pediatric Dental Dr. Montgomery graduated from Baylor University in Waco, and followed up by attending the University of Texas Dental School in Houston. Her residency was 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 29 Dr. Marty Montgomery Lonestar Pediatric Dental Dr. Marty Montgomery comes from a family where all the children were drawn to dental careers early in life. A graduate of Baylor University in Waco, Marty attended Tufts Dental School in Boston. He completed his residency at Temple University Hospital in Philadelphia, specializing in pediatrics. See ad on page 29 Dr. Betty Richardson Dr. Richardson earned a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in nursing, and a PhD in psych/mental health nursing. She is a licensed marriage and family therapist and a licensed professional counselor. She has over 30 years of experience working with individuals, couples, families, children and adolescents. See ad on page 40 Dr. Theresa Willis ADC Steiner Ranch Dr. Willis is a graduate of the University of Texas, received her medical degree from Baylor College of Medicine in Houston and completed her residency at Texas Children’s Hospital. Dr. Willis’ professional interests include developmental pediatrics, fitness and healthy weight in children and teens. She is board certified by the American Board of Pediatrics. See ad on page 48

DON'T MISS AUSTIN FAMILY MAGAZINE’S 19TH ANNUAL CAMP FAIR, SATURDAY, JANUARY 21, 2017

December 2016 l austinfamily.com

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St. Francis School “Excellence Without Exclusivity”

OPEN HOUSE

January 19 • 9am in the Barnes Gymnasium

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

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

CONTEST 2017

DO YOU HAVE A

Cover Kid?

You can now get your family and friends to vote! • Voting closes December 15 • One vote per person at www.austinfamily.com. Duplicates will be eliminated • Six winners will be selected and announced in the January 2017 issue

smart parenting • healthy homes

It’s a chance to see your child on the cover of 35,000 magazines, on our website, and on our FOX “Good Day Austin” Friday morning segment.

Pick us up at HEB, Whole Foods and Central Market

December 2016 l austinfamily.com

BY CARRIE TAYLOR

5 Reasons Why Santa Actually Is Terrifying Maybe your child adores Santa Claus and has loved taking pictures with him since infancy. If so, this piece is not for you. It’s for the rest of us: the optimists, the believers—each year we take our kids to see Santa, hopeful we’ll snap the perfect shot, only to return home with blurry images easily mistaken for a military torture facility in the Land of Oz. I’ve thought about why the big man terrifies my son, and I think I understand how just the sight of fur-trimmed red velvet makes my toddler cling to my legs.

1. The coat. We live in Houston, which

is essentially one block away from the gates of hell—it’s hot here. Always hot.

So, why is this large man wearing an enormous coat in swampy 90-degree weather?

2. The diet. We tell our kids cookies and candy are treats for special occasions, yet this grown adult man lives off of sugary treats and milk. I’m pretty sure Grandma Claus would not approve.

(“He’s climbin’ in your windows, he’s snatchin’ yo people up.”) This is literally what we tell our kids Santa does. Minus the snatching. I’m proud my child recognizes it’s not normal for an elderly man to sneak into your home at night and eat your favorite snacks. af Carrie Taylor is a Houston-based freelance writer and mother of two boys.

3. The jolliness. When kids go to meet

Santa, they likely have to stand in line and watch Santa interact with the other victims children. And they probably notice: He. Is. Always. Jolly. Who has the energy to be that happy all the time? No one.

4. The beard. What are you trying to hide, Santa? And do they not have razors at the North Pole?

5. The …. Remember the viral “Bed

Intruders” song from several years ago?

WELCOME to ADC The Pediatricians at The Austin Diagnostic Clinic welcome two new team members: Barakah Day, M.D., ADC Circle C Christopher Saenz, M.D., ADC Steiner Ranch Both doctors are accepting new patients and accept most insurance plans. Call 512-901-1111 for appointments. Learn more about ADC doctors, specialties and services by visiting ADClinic.com. Christopher Saenz, MD ADC Steiner Ranch Pediatrics

Barakah Day, MD ADC Circle C Pediatrics

ADC Cedar Bend

2400 Cedar Bend Dr.

ADC Circle C

5701 W. Slaughter Ln., Bldg C

ADC Steiner Ranch 5145 RM 620 N., Bldg I

Pediatrics  512-901-1111  ADClinic.com

December 2016 l austinfamily.com

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November 10, 2016 – January 1, 2017 • 2 million twinkling lights along with lavish holiday displays • NEW ICE! theme – 2 million pounds of colorful, hand-carved ice sculptures and slides featuring Santa Claus is Comin’ To Town • Santa’s Wild Workshop Snow Tubing

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PEPSI, PEPSI-COLA and the Pepsi Globe are registered trademarks of PepsiCo, Inc. The Elf on the Shelf® and © CCA and B, LLC. All rights reserved. Santa Claus is Comin’ To Town © Classic Media, LLC. All rights reserved. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and all related elements © & TM under license to Character Arts, LLC. All rights reserved. © & ® Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc. Used with permission. All rights reserved. FUJIFILM and INSTAX are trademarks of FUJIFILM Corporation and its affiliates. © 2016 FUJIFILM North America Corporation. All rights reserved.

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

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

austinfamily readersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; poll favorites 2016

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