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inside 11/14
austinfamily
®
smart parenting • healthy homes
12
18
columns
calendar
14 Family Matters When “How was your day?” Meets Silence
34 Family Events 38 Parenting Events 40 Storytimes
17 Test Drive Game reviews by ESRB, www.esrb.org
in every issue
20
Family Connections Crash Course Teen driver safety involves preparation and practice
7 8 47 48
22
The Learning Curve Quiet Kids, Loud Minds Making space and time for the introverted child
extras
32
Lifelines How To Be a Smart Patient Easy tips for getting the most out of your family’s healthcare
25 26 48 49 50
features 12
Homegrown Harmony The Biscuit Brothers reflect on a decade of bringing families together through music
18
It Takes a Village 8 simple ways to support your friend’s adoption
Play It Safe Product recalls Around Austin Kidzone by Thinkery Book Recommendations
artículos en español
Holiday Camp 2014 2014 Holiday Gift Guide Cover Kids Contest 2015 Focus on Doctors Smart Screen Time
37 Ten ways…to show gratitude
16
Cuando “¿Cómo estuvo tu día?” se encuentra al silencio
24
Niños tranquilos, mentes bulliciosas
44
Piensa positivo
51 Films The Boxtrolls 52 Humor Rattling the Cage
tune in
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Cover photographed by Tiffany Corbett of Studio213.net
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editor’s note by Sherida Mock
November 2014 It’s been a long time coming, but the fall temps are beginning to arrive. One crisp morning is all it takes to get me ambitious about fall activities: I want to bake a pie, knit a scarf and adorn the house in oranges, golds and browns. I won’t do any of those things, mind you. I just get the feeling—and given time, it passes. What doesn’t pass is the warm, fuzzy feeling of gathering with friends and family to celebrate Thanksgiving. I’m grateful for the dear family and friends in my life, and I look forward to the approaching holidays to strengthen those bonds. If you’re looking for ways to extend that feeling of gratitude throughout the month, we’ve got a “10 Ways” piece to help you do it. The YMCA offers up even more fall activities in our KidZone space. Betty Richardson offers advice on how to keep the conversation going past “How was your day?” and Jennifer VanBuren brings us an illuminating take on introverted kids in the classroom. November is National Adoption Month, and Michelle Shirk presents an article full of tips on supporting a friend who might be going through the process. I’m also delighted to bring you a wonderful chat with the Biscuit Brothers as they gear up to celebrate ten years of strumming, humming, and laughing with your kids through live shows and their award-winning PBS series. This crew of uber-talented performers has been hard at work bringing their latest project to fruition: a Fine Arts Farm in southwest Austin. We wish them the best. Have safe travels to Grandmother’s house—or wherever Thanksgiving takes you—and enjoy that warm, fuzzy feeling all month long!
Volume 22, No. 8
PUBLISHER Kaye K. Lowak EDITOR Sherida Mock editor2003@austinfamily.com COPY EDITOR Paula Halloum ADVISING EDITORS Dr. Betty Kehl Richardson Barb Cooper CALENDAR EDITOR Betty Kemper calendar2003@austinfamily.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Sherida Mock, Jack Kyser, Sara Rider, Jennifer VanBuren, Dr. Betty Richardson, Richard Singleton, Pam Heller, Susana Fletcher, Michelle Shirk TRANSLATION TEAM Maribel Ruvalcaba, Margo Vogelpohl, Pilar Korgel ART DIRECTOR John Franzetti jfranzetti@att.net AD DESIGN and PRODUCTION Jason Suarez nr2003@austinfamily.com STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Studio 213.net 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. Mail Address: P.O. Box 7559 Round Rock, Texas 78683-7559 Phone Number: (512) 733-0038 Web: www.austinfamily.com Advertising rates are available upon request. While we use great care in creating our display ads, mistakes can happen. Austin Family and the publisher are not liable for any damages arising from any typographical or mechanical errors beyond the cost of the ad. Austin Family does not necessarily endorse any of the advertisers, products or services listed in this publication. We do not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Subscriptions are available for $25 per year. Copyright 2014. All rights reserved. No portion of Austin Family may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher.
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play it safe: product recalls
Government Recalls Children’s Swings and Girls’ Sandals Ikea is recalling about 2,000 children’s swings because the suspension fittings can break, causing a child to fall from the swing and posing a risk of serious injury. The recall involves the GungGung swing, made of green polyester fabric and hanging from a plastic suspension fitting attached to steel hooks. Affected units were sold at Ikea stores nationwide from June 2014 through August 2014 for $20. Consumers should immediately take down the swing to prevent use by children and return it to any Ikea store for a full refund. Toys R Us is recalling about 19,000 Koala Baby children’s sandals because the butterfly wings on the sandals can rip and detach, posing a choking hazard to young children. The recall involves Koala Baby girl’s plastic sandals with butterfly wings attached to the toes with rhinestones and cork-type soles. Affected units were sold at Toys R Us and Babies R Us stores nationwide and online at toysrus.com and babiesrus.com from February 2014 through September 2014 for about $13. Consumers should immediately take the recalled sandals away from young children and return the sandals to any Toys R Us or Babies R Us for a full refund. The U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission works to protect the public from unreasonable risks of serious injury or death from more than 15,000 types of consumer products.
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Around Austin Go to www.austinfamily.com for weekly updates of Around Austin news
Set the clocks back on November 2. Experts say this is also a great time to replace the batteries in your smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detectors.
HEARTSONG MUSIC CELEBRATES 10TH ANNIVERSARY Heartsong Music announced plans to mark its 10th anniversary this month with a celebration and silent auction to benefit underserved youth. Carey Youngblood, a certified Montessori teacher with over 40 years of experience teaching children and youth choirs, opened the music center in 2004 in north Austin with an aim to bring together the ideas of Montessori teaching, communitybased learning, and the Music Together curriculum.
Read a book. November is Family Literacy Month.
The celebration and silent auction takes place November 15 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Yes! Youth Fitness and Sports Performance. Organizers said the goal of the silent auction is to provide music instruction for 300 children in east Austin preschools.
Commemorate Veterans Day on November 11. Raise your flag, view a parade, or simply observe a moment of silence.
Music Together is an early childhood music and movement program for children from birth through age nine. In a Music Together class, children and their parents or primary caregivers meet to experience songs, chants, movement activities, and instrumental jam sessions.
Must-Do this month
Enjoy the outdoors. Fall is an excellent time for hiking and camping in Texas. If you’re craving some amazing fall foliage, make the drive to Lost Maples State Natural Area.
101,666
BY THE NUMBERS
“Playing and doing music nurtures children’s inborn capabilities to respond to and make music, even as babies,” said Youngblood. “The program develops bonds between parents, siblings, caregivers and other members of the extended family. Plus, because music learning supports all learning, Music Together also fosters children’s growth in other key developmental areas, including the cognitive, language, physical, and socioemotional domains.” UT AUSTIN CREATES STUTTERING INSTITUTE, PROVIDES FREE TREATMENTS In late September, the University of Texas at Austin announced a $3 million gift to establish the Michael and Tami Lang Stuttering Institute, the only specialized research center in the nation to provide treatment services free of charge to children and adults who stutter. The center will also serve as the first nonprofit institute within a university setting devoted to stuttering intervention and research. Currently, individuals who stutter face a number of barriers to receiving treatment. Most insurers do not cover the cost of treatments, leaving people who stutter and their families to pay out of pocket or forgo speech therapy entirely. Additionally, there is a nationwide shortage of clinicians qualified to treat stuttering, with speechlanguage pathologists continually reporting that they feel unprepared to competently serve this population.
Number of children living in the U.S. foster care system who are eligible for adoption Source: Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System, Report No. 20 8 | November 2014 | austinfamily.com
“It is our hope that the Lang Institute will further promote our understanding and the public’s awareness of the complex nature of stuttering,” said Courtney Byrd, Lang Institute executive director and associate professor in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders. There are approximately 15 million children and 3 million adults in the U.S. who stutter. However, there are as few as 1,250 clinicians — less than 1 percent of the total number of speech-language pathologists in the U.S. — willing and able to treat stuttering. “To me, it’s a crime that there are children and adults who stutter, but cannot find or pay for effective treatment,” Michael Lang said. “In supporting the work of the View the magazine online at austinfamily.com
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institute, Tami and I dream that within 20 years, there won’t be anyone in the U.S. who cannot get free, competent help for stuttering.” To learn more, visit the Lang Institute website at moody.utexas.edu/stuttering. APD RECEIVES TEDDY BEARS FROM AUSTIN JUNIOR FORUM In late September, the Austin Police Department and APD Victim Services received 600 stuffed animals from the Austin Junior Forum Teddy Bear Program at APD Headquarters. First Responders (Police, Fire and EMS) give away the teddy bears and plush Dalmatians to children during a traumatic event. Children are often scared during a fire, traffic crash, or medical emergency. Providing a stuffed animal during these stressful moments for children can bring them comfort and something tangible to hold onto. “For the last twenty eight years, the ladies of Austin Junior Forum have been pleased to be able to support our first responders as they help the children in our community who are in crisis,” said Cristina Valdés of the Austin Junior Forum. “These teddy bears and Dalmatians help calm a child or adult after a traumatic event. They are proof that a small act of kindness can make a huge difference. We deeply appreciate our sponsors who have helped us over the years.” The Austin Junior Forum is a non-profit volunteer organization supporting women, children and elderly in the Austin area through community service and fund-raising. To learn more, visit austinjuniorforum.org. STEPPING STONE SCHOOL CELEBRATES 35 YEARS Stepping Stone School is commemorating its 35th anniversary throughout the rest of the year with celebratory and philanthropic events. The festivities began Sept. 22 with a week-long, STEAM-themed series of activities and celebrations and continues through the rest of the year with giveaways, family events, community involvement, and more. Stepping Stone School opened its first classrooms at 1710 Richcreek in November 1979 and has since expanded to 16 locations in the Austin area and two in College Station, with a campus in Austin’s Southpark Meadows planned to open in January 2015. Stepping Stone School began as one woman’s answer to the lack of intelligent and affordable child care options in Austin, and is still owned and operated by founders Rhonda and Bill Paver. “We are proud to have provided education and care for more than 100,000 Texas children over the past 35 years and look forward to preparing many more children for academic success,” said Rhonda Paver. “We are honored and humbled by the enthusiastic support we consistently receive from our families and the community.” In accordance with the company’s core value of serving the community, Stepping Stone School will once again support the Turkey Trot Kids’ K, provide volunteers to assist with the race and be on-hand Thanksgiving morning with giveaway items and children’s activities. The school regularly sponsors community events and charities, which include the American Heart Association, Caritas of Austin, Safe Place, Blue Santa, Dell Children’s Medical Center, college scholarships, food drives, and more. CTMC OPENS WOMEN’S CENTER FOR BREAST HEALTH Central Texas Medical Center officially opened its new Women’s Center for Breast Health in San Marcos on October 2. “Because a prompt diagnosis is key to winning the fight against breast cancer, we want to provide a more convenient opportunity for women to get their yearly mammograms,” said CTMC Director of Women’s Services Margie Lieck. The grand opening event featured a visit from the Pink Heals Hays County fire truck and a special balloon release in honor of all who have been touched by cancer. continued on page 10
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continued from page 9
Ruth Welborn, PhD, Dean of Texas State University’s College of Health Professions, spoke about women’s health and the importance of screenings. The Women’s Center for Breast Health is a first-of-its-kind resource in Hays County and was designed with the special needs of breast cancer patients in mind. It combines diagnostic imaging, support, surgical services and reconstruction in one convenient location. Mammograms and bone density studies are completed at the center, and no referral is necessary for the screenings. “We want to provide a calming and comfortable atmosphere for them to undergo testing and carry them through any necessary steps that follow,” Lieck said. “Through a partnership with the Aesthetics Center at Live Oak Health Partners, a patient can go from detection to reconstruction within a 48-to72-hour time span.” For more information, visit ctmc.org. PBS KIDS LIVE-ACTION SERIES “ODD SQUAD” PREMIERES NOVEMBER 26 On Wednesday, November 26 (the day before Thanksgiving), PBS KIDS premieres its newest series: “Odd Squad.” The live-action series, which begins with a special one-hour broadcast, follows two young government agents—Olive and Otto—who use math skills and collaboration to investigate weird and unusual phenomena. “Odd Squad” is designed to help kids ages five through eight learn through math concepts embedded in each of their cases. Integrated digital and offline content (games, parent
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resources, apps, and more) will also be available when the series premieres. “Research shows that children who have positive, enriching experiences with math learning at a young age will have greater long-term success,” said Lesli Rotenberg, general manager of children’s programming at PBS. Grounded in a standards-based math framework, Odd Squad is designed to help children build these critical math skills and skills such as problem-solving, resilience, and collaboration, to help them establish a solid foundation for success in school and in life. “Odd Squad” was created by Tim McKeon (The Electric Company, Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends and Adventure Time) and Adam Peltzman (The Electric Company, The Backyardigans and Wallykazam!) and produced by The Fred Rogers Company and Sinking Ship Entertainment.
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Homegrown Harmony
The Biscuit Brothers reflect on a decade of bringing families together through music by Sherida Mock
Depending on when you start counting, the Biscuit Brothers— popular live musicians and stars of the PBS children’s show—are either on the cusp of celebrating their 10-year anniversary or look forward to the day next spring when they can commemorate the occasion. The test pilot aired in December 2004, but the first season officially premiered in April 2005 on KLRU-TV, Austin PBS. In any case, the show was a hit and gave this dynamic and gregarious group of friends a decade of melodious memories. On a quiet fall day, the Biscuit Brothers--Jerome Schoolar (Dusty Biscuit), Jill Leberknight (Buttermilk Biscuit) and Damon Brown (Tiny Scarecrow) sat down with us at their new Fine Arts Farm in Oak Hill to look back on 10 years of making music together. AF: Tell us about your families. Jerome: I have three boys: twins who are now in college and a 15-year-old. Damon: Jill and I are married. We were actually married the year that the show premiered, and our son Sullivan came along about a year after the show went on the air. We like to say that the show is our family album, because it features our kids and all of our friends who volunteered to be on the show and their kids. From 2004 all the way through 2013, you can watch them grow up. Damon: It’s definitely a family affair. Allen Robertson (Buford Biscuit)—who wasn’t able to be here—is the music director for the show. He has two kids. My parents are in the show at least once. We wouldn’t have been able to make the show if it hadn’t been for our families and extended families and friends who are family to us. Jerome: Not just our friends and family, but very important people to the show…Willie Nelson, Kirk Whalum, Ray Benson, and Peter Bay. They just did it out of the goodness of their hearts. We’ve said 12 | November 2014 | austinfamily.com
“I don’t think we could have done this show anywhere but Austin.” – Jerome Schoolar, “Dusty Biscuit”
it a million times, but I don’t think we could have done this show anywhere but Austin. We needed assistance, and the town showed up. AF: How did you grow the show into what it is today? Jerome: Allen got a phone call from Zach Scott Theatre saying, “We have a show next week and our performer is sick. Can you do 35 minutes for these kids? By the way, the show’s called E-I-E-I-O.” If they’d have said, “By the way, it’s called NASA,” I’d be Dusty the Astronaut right now. It went great; we did it for a couple of years. We thought, “Let’s record these songs.” I took our CD to L.A. to see if we could get a children’s label to pick us up. They said, “This is nice, but there are characters and a story. This should be a TV show.” Damon and Allen had been friends for a long time. Allen said, “Damon can run a camera.” And we just dove in and put together a little five-minute demo. Damon: We heard that KLRU was looking for local programming, so we took them this concept and they said, “Make us a pilot.” Now at the same time, Pioneer Farms—where we shot our exterior scenes—had just lost a big chunk of their city funding. That ended up being a great long-term partnership that still exists—and the same with Scottish Rite Theater, which we used for our interior shots. Jerome: KLRU, Pioneer Farm and Scottish Rite all happened from just knock-knock-knock cold calling. They didn’t know us from Adam, but they were all very welcoming and took a chance on us. Damon: So KLRU said they wanted to put us on the air as a test to see how audiences responded. In the interim, they called us for the ACL Fest children’s stage…
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Jill: …Austin Kiddie Limits. Damon: So we’re getting ready to play at ACL, and a KLRU employee got up and said, “I’d like to introduce to you the Biscuit Brothers, our newest program premiering in the spring of 2005.” Jerome: And we all looked at each other and said, “I guess we got it!” Jill: I remember us all backstage, ready to go on. We didn’t even have a moment to celebrate and high-five each other. Damon: And we had made no plans for shooting, we didn’t even have equipment yet. Jill: It was truly guerrilla. It’s just a beautiful story of how you don’t need a massive budget; you can still create meaningful content. I have learned over the years that these three guys are very humble, and they will never say this out loud, but I will. There’s an extreme amount of talent amongst these three gentlemen. Very rarely can you have three guys producing every single aspect of a TV show. Damon: That’s the secret of the Biscuit Brothers: if you want to know who’s running the camera, it’s me. Or if Tiny Scarecrow is in the scene, it’s sitting on a tripod with no one running it. Jill: We didn’t limit ourselves. AF: Where did you get the ideas for your content? Jill: These three individuals have never lost their sense of youth. They were writing content and stories that were exciting to them. They never viewed children as lower or lesser beings. Damon: Ideas would come from anywhere and everywhere, because we were making a show to entertain ourselves. We were always mindful of the fact that we needed accessibility for the seven-year-old or the five-year-old, but it was all stuff to entertain ourselves and our families. Jill: The project has always been a focus on family: a show that a mom or dad or grandparents would really enjoy watching with their kids. In our live shows, you see that. The adults are dancing and having just as much fun as the kids are. AF: What goes on here at the Fine Arts Farm? Jerome: The main focus is on arts education—from visual arts to theatre to music to dance—for young ones. Years ago, I worked at the Dougherty Arts Center, and my model is to try and recreate that here. It’s affordable, with a wide variety of art activities happening. Damon: The Fine Arts Farm has really been a passion project for Jerome, so it’s been exciting for us to see him being able to do this. It’s not just something he came up with in the last few years…. Jerome: I’ve been talking about it for years and years…. “One of these days!” Jill: What’s meaningful to me is that there are a lot of ways that you can serve your community. We have a TV show and a live show, but we are deeply committed to serving our community, and having an educational meeting place is important. Who knows where the Biscuit Brothers are going to be 10, 20 years from now, but I suspect that that tradition is always going to be, “How can we be serving our community? What can we be doing that’s fun and entertaining to bring families together?” Pick us up at HEB, Whole Foods and Central Market
austinfamily.com | November 2014 | 13
family matters by Dr. Betty Richardson
Q
When “How Was Your Day?” Meets Silence
How do you get a child to talk about his day at school and about his feelings? Our son Joshua is eight–years– old and in the third grade. He rarely says anything to his father or me about school. I ask him how his day was and he replies “fine;” that is the end of the conversation. Sometimes I can tell he is upset, but he won’t talk about it. While I tend to talk a lot, my husband doesn’t say much. Maybe Joshua takes after his father. I would like to learn about his day and know more about what makes him happy or scared or upset. How can I help him if I don’t know what is going on? Do you have any suggestions?
Getting children like Joshua and adults like your husband to talk has a lot to do with trust. They need to feel safe talking to you. Feeling safe and trusting involves believing you will listen and hear them out without interrupting, and that you won’t react negatively or critically—verbally or nonverbally—or immediately give advice or solve their problems. To get your child to open up, you could make it a habit at meal times together to have everyone at the table say one good thing about their day. After everyone talks about that one thing, you can offer a chance to say a second thing, and then move on to talk about one emotion you had. If you and your husband speak about your feelings, Joshua will get the idea and join in. If this doesn’t work, ask if anyone at school had a bad day. This takes the focus off the child and gets him to start talking. Parents can also do this sharing of information back and forth at bedtime
if meal times are not together. For people separated by distance–working two jobs or in the military or a family of divorce–sharing about the day and feelings can be done by e-mail or Skype, using the same ideas of avoiding unsolicited advice and being careful to be respectful and non-critical.
If your child likes drawing, another suggestion is to provide a snack after school along with some paper, crayons, colored pencils and/or watercolors, and have Joshua draw a picture about his day. After he is done, ask him to talk about it. Never try to interpret a child’s drawing; only they can do that for you. Date the pictures and assemble them into a book. You will love looking at these pictures in the future. Building a relationship with your child is crucial to having good communication. One of the best moms I know asks her boys to shoot baskets and play with the Wii, even when she doesn’t really enjoy these activities. She says activities together open the door to communication. I’ll quote her here: “I am learning more and more that if I don’t have the relationship today, they are not going to talk to me tomorrow. Talking with kids can be a lot of fun. They can make you laugh just as you can make them laugh.” Spend some time thinking about how to respond to things your child tells you. If your child tells you about a problem with another child, ask something like, “What do you think you need to do to make this better?” Thinking about what is going on is more important than reacting immediately. Most of the time you can even say, “Let’s think about this, and we can figure it out better later.” If a child says, “I hate my teacher,” a good response is, “Tell me one way this teacher is different from last year’s teacher.” It takes time to adjust to a new teacher’s differences and to figure out how to get the attention and recognition you need. I suspect you may be uncomfortable with silences, and so you talk a lot--which you do admit. I suggest you practice more listening with your friends, and let there be some silent moments. Your friends may then end the silence by saying something important. Also, practice not being critical of your friends. This practice can then help in allowing some silent times with your husband and encourage him to talk more. That will be an important modeling of behavior for your son. You can also talk to your husband about the importance of his helping you to help Joshua have good communication skills for success in this modern day world. 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.
14 | November 2014 | austinfamily.com
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Cuando “¿Cómo estuvo tu día?” se encuentra al silencio
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¿Cómo lograr que un niño hable acerca de su día en la escuela y de sus sentimientos? Nuestro hijo Joshua tiene ocho años de edad y está en el tercer grado. Rara la vez le dice algo a su padre o a mí sobre la escuela. Le pregunto cómo estuvo su día y él responde “bien”; ese es el final de la conversación. A veces puedo ver que está molesto, pero no habla sobre el tema. Mientras yo tiendo a hablar demasiado, mi marido no dice mucho. Quizás Joshua heredó eso de su padre. Me gustaría saber más acerca de su día y saber más acerca de lo que lo hace feliz, le asusta o lo molesta. ¿Cómo puedo ayudarlo si no sé qué está pasando? ¿Tiene alguna sugerencia?
Lograr que los niños como Joshua y adultos como su esposo hablen tiene mucho que ver con confianza. Necesitan sentirse seguros cuando hablan con usted. Sentirse seguro y confiado implica creer que usted va a escuchar y oírlos sin interrumpir, y que no va a reaccionar negativamente o críticamente—verbalmente o no verbalmente—o inmediatamente dar consejos o resolver sus problemas. Para conseguir que su hijo se abra podría empezar un hábito nuevo a la hora de la comida cuando todos están juntos, que uno por uno diga una cosa buena acerca de su día. Después de que todos hayan hablado, puede ofrecerles la oportunidad de decir una segunda cosa y luego continuar pasando a hablar de una emoción que haya tenido. Si usted y su esposo hablan acerca de sus sentimientos, Joshua entenderá la idea y participará. Si esto no funciona, pregunte si alguien en la escuela tuvo un mal día. Esto desvía la atención del niño y lo hace que empiece a hablar. Los padres también pueden hacer este intercambio
de información de ida y vuelta a la hora de acostarse si a la hora de la comida no están juntos. Para las personas separadas por la distancia – que tienen dos trabajos o que están en las fuerzas armadas o de una familia de divorcio – compartir sobre su día o sentimientos puede hacerse por correo electrónico o Skype, usando las mismas ideas de evitar los consejos no solicitados y tener cuidado de ser respetuoso y no criticar. Si a su hijo le gusta dibujar, otra sugerencia es la de proporcionar una merienda después de la escuela, junto con un poco de papel, crayones, lápices de colores o acuarelas, y dígale a Joshua que haga un dibujo acerca de su día. Después de que él haya terminado, pídale que hable de ello. Nunca trate de interpretar el dibujo de un niño; sólo ellos pueden hacer eso por usted. Póngale fecha a los dibujos y ensámblelos en forma de un libro. A usted le encantará ver estos dibujos en el futuro. Construir una relación con su hijo es fundamental para tener una buena comunicación. Una de las mejores madres que conozco les pide a sus hijos jugar al baloncesto y jugar con el Wii, aun cuando realmente no disfruta de estas actividades. Dice que las actividades juntos abren la puerta a la comunicación. Voy a citarla aquí: “Estoy aprendiendo cada vez más que si no tengo una relación con ellos hoy, no van a hablar conmigo mañana. Hablar con los niños puede ser muy divertido. Pueden hacerte reír así como tú puedes hacerlos reír a ellos.” Pase algún tiempo pensando en cómo responder a las cosas que su hijo le dice. Si su hijo le habla sobre un problema con otro niño, pregúntele algo así como: “¿Qué crees que debes hacer para hacer esto mejor?” Pensar acerca de lo que está pasando es más importante que reaccionar inmediatamente. La mayoría de las veces incluso se puede decir: “Vamos a pensar en esto, y lo podemos entender mejor mas adelante.” Si un niño dice, “Odio a mi maestro,” una buena respuesta es: “Dime una manera que este maestro es diferente al maestro del año pasado.” Se necesita tiempo para adaptarse a las diferencias de un nuevo maestro, y para averiguar cómo conseguir la atención y el reconocimiento que necesita. Sospecho que puede ser incomodo para usted el silencios, y por ello usted habla mucho – lo cual usted admite. Le sugiero que practique más escuchar con sus amigos, y dejar que haya algunos momentos de silencio. Sus amigos entonces pueden poner fin al silencio diciendo algo importante. Además, practique el no criticar a sus amigos. Esta práctica puede entonces ayudar al permitir algunas veces el silencio con su marido y animarlo a hablar más. Ese será un modelo importante de comportamiento para su hijo. También puede hablar con su esposo sobre la importancia de que el la ayude a usted para ayudar a Joshua a tener buenas habilidades de comunicación para el éxito en este mundo moderno. Betty Richardson, Ph.D., R.N.C., L.P.C., L.M.F.T., es una psicoterapeuta situada en Austin que se especializa en el tratamiento de los problemas de los niños, adolescentes y padres.
16 | November 2014 | austinfamily.com
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test drive games ESRB Entertainment Software Rating Board
Super Smash Bros.
Platform: Nintendo 3DS Rating category: E10+ Content descriptors: Cartoon violence, comic mischief, mildly suggestive themes Other: Includes online features that may expose players to unrated user-generated content (Nintendo 3DS) Rating summary: This is a fighting game in which players engage in brawls with characters from a variety of Nintendo franchises. Players punch, kick, and use special attacks/power-ups (such as fireball blasts, banana peels and mallets) to defeat enemies and/or knock opponents off stage platforms. Battles are “cartoony� though frenetic, highlighted by mild explosions, colorful light effects, and cries of pain. During the course of the game, players can unlock/obtain character trophies that depict female characters in revealing outfits (such as short skirts and moderate amounts of cleavage). One character emits flatulent gas clouds to attack opponents. The rating information, including rating summary, is provided by ESRB Entertainment Software Rating Board (www.esrb.org). These games and other rating summaries can be found at ESRB.org. For the app, visit http://www.esrb.org/mobile.
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austinfamily.com | November 2014 | 17
It takes a village
8 simple ways to support your friend’s adoption by Michelle Shirk
The adoption process is often compared to a roller coaster. Many prospective adoptive families spend months or even years completing paperwork and waiting for placement of a child, and some encounter significant setbacks along the way. The journey that ultimately led my husband and me to a successful domestic infant adoption was a lengthy one. However, to say our amazing daughter was worth the wait would be a tremendous understatement. I am confident that we ended up with exactly the right child for our family and will remain forever grateful to our wonderful family and friends for their support along the way. If you know someone in the process of building a family through adoption, you may be wondering what you can do to help. Below are some tips for providing support to a prospective adoptive family before and after the placement of a child in their home. Throughout the adoption process:
1Understand the type of adoption involved. Adoptive families can be formed in a variety of ways including international adoption, domestic infant adoption, adoption through the 18 | November 2014 | austinfamily.com
foster care system and stepparent adoption. Adoption. com and similar websites provide excellent background information on the various types of adoption, but keep in mind that rules can vary depending on the state, country and/or agency involved.
2 Offer tangible assistance. Families in the adoption process
sometimes need a favor. Many—if not all—candidates for adoption will require reference letters from friends or family members. Some may also need photographs for a profile book, help spreading the word about their desire to adopt or just a listening ear. If you want to help out, but aren’t sure what you can do, just ask.
3 Celebrate significant milestones. Depending on the type
of adoption involved, landmark moments might include making the decision to adopt, completing the home study process, matching with an expectant mother or receiving the referral of a child. There are many ways to acknowledge these milestones. To celebrate the start of our process, one thoughtful friend gave us a picture frame intended to hold a photo of our future child. Others simply told us how excited they were when they learned about progress we had made. A handwritten note or card would also be a nice gesture.
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4 Acknowledge setbacks and
disappointments. The “lows” of the adoption process can include anything from a paperwork snafu to a failed match with an expectant mother. If you aren’t sure what to say in such a circumstance, try a simple, “I’m thinking about you.” After placement of a child:
1 Offer the use of baby supplies. Because
attend the final court hearing. We were touched and honored to have family members willing to travel by plane to celebrate the finalization of our adoption. I look forward to sharing photos and memories from this trip with our daughter as she grows. The suggestions above are neither mandatory nor all-inclusive, but simply a starting point to help you support
a prospective adoptive family in your circle. Like most journeys, the adoption process is a lot more fun with family members and good friends along for the ride! ______________ Michelle Shirk is an attorney, freelance writer, and proud mother of one. She writes about family, travel and seasonal events for parenting publications across the United States.
the adoption timeline is often uncertain, some prospective adoptive families choose not to purchase many baby supplies in advance. This approach saved our sanity during the wait, but left us scrambling when we received word our daughter had been born several states away. Fortunately, friends provided us with clothing and supplies left over from their own children to help us get through the first few weeks. If you’re already a parent, consider loaning your dormant diaper pail or baby washcloths to a family in the early stages of parenthood.
2 Respect privacy about the details of the
adoption. Adoptive families have varying comfort levels regarding the information they wish to share about their fertility history, their child’s biological parents, and the circumstances that led to the adoption. Of course, the closeness of your relationship with the individuals involved shapes the types of questions that are appropriate. Regardless of the situation, though, try to avoid putting new parents on the spot about issues they seem hesitant to discuss.
3 Focus on adoption as the desired
outcome. Adoption should be treated as a wonderful way to build a family, not a second best option. Comments such as, “Are you still going to try to have your own child?” are better left unsaid.
4 Celebrate the end of the adoption
process. In some cases, an adoption is not finalized until after a child has been home for weeks or months. It’s a big deal to be legally recognized as parents, so offer a hearty “Congratulations!” when this milestone is reached. If you are particularly close with the family, you may even consider offering to Pick us up at HEB, Whole Foods and Central Market
austinfamily.com | November 2014 | 19
family connections by Richard Singleton
I
Crash course Teen driver safety involves preparation and practice
t was a cool, crisp morning in the fall of 1978. My brother was nestled in my mom’s tummy, and I was meandering in the back of our red Plymouth Roadrunner. I loved to perch in the middle of the back seat and poke my head up to survey the scenery. In a flash, we were t-boned out of nowhere by a drunk driver. Glass erupted all over my very pregnant mother, I catapulted to the front passenger side floorboard and the world went into a slow-motion whir of sirens, shouts and tears. You’d think that experience would have informed my driving a decade later as I got my first whiff of the open road. It didn’t. Apparently, I’d learned more about
driving from The Dukes of Hazard than I had from nearly becoming a floor mat stain. In elementary school, I learned to “buckle up for safety.” That’s about all I learned, though. I didn’t drive the speed limit. I didn’t drive defensively—actually, I was quite “offensive.” So, as I contemplate my own daughter taking the wheel soon, I tremble. October 19-25 was National Teen Driver Safety Week. I’ll begin the petition to make it an everyday event if you’ll sign it with me. Perhaps like me, you’re terrified of your newly minted teen’s license allowing him to be out on the road. The key is preparation, practice and—as I say through clenched, chattering teeth—trust. Today’s cars are not the cars that we grew up driving. Even the most modest of new cars have enough horsepower to make my first car look like a child’s toy. Thankfully however, today’s vehicles are also much safer, and awareness is at an all-time high. So, preparing our children to drive isn’t just about enrolling them in driver’s ed and then anxiously pumping those non-existent passenger-side brake. Websites like Edmunds.com and IIHS.com (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) offer important advice on the safest cars for teens. The most recent article on Edmunds, “The Best Cars for Teen Drivers,” focuses on important factors like crash test outcomes, car size, engine power, safety features and technology. These websites and others like them are great resources to explore before buying what may be one of the most important purchases that we make for our teens.
20 | November 2014 | austinfamily.com
Ultimately, it’s the midsized sedans and SUVs that come out ahead. True, they’re not the 0-60 in 2.9 seconds assault on gravity your teen pines for. But let’s face it: as long as the vehicle gets our teens away from the house for a few hours and doesn’t use all of their gas money for one trip, you know they’ll secretly love it. Okay, no article about teen driving would be complete without some sobering statistics to confirm the need for safe cars. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, teens are three times more likely to be killed in an automobile accident than adults. All said, almost 300,000 teens per year are treated in emergency rooms for automobile accidents. Why? What’s so different about teen drivers? According to the CDC, teens speed more, tailgate more, take more risks in dangerous scenarios and use their seatbelts less frequently. For instance, only 54 percent of teens studied said they always used their seatbelts when riding with others. A full 25 percent of teen male drivers who were killed in automobile crashes in 2010 had been drinking, and 39 percent of teen males killed were speeding. And what about the epidemic of texting while driving? Companies like Privus Mobile are working to reverse this trend with hands-free apps. According to their research, texting and driving increases the risk of a crash by 23 times. Privus notes that 49 percent of drivers admit to texting and driving, while a huge 98 percent also acknowledge that it’s unsafe. Our teens are facing an uphill battle. They are tech-savvy, constantly connected, and have little experience behind the wheel. Education, innovative apps, good boundaries, good habits, and driving a safe vehicle are all musts as we prepare them to take the keys. I can now fully understand why my parents often waited up for me to get home. I know I’ll be sleeping a lot better once I know my kids are as safe as possible as they make their milestone transitions into the awesome experience of independence. Yes, I forced myself to write that last sentence…now, onward with developing the trust to make myself believe it! Richard Singleton, MACE, MAMFC, LPC, is the executive director at STARRY in Round Rock.
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austinfamily.com | November 2014 | 21
the learning curve by Jennifer VanBuren
Quiet Kids, Loud Minds Making space and time for the introverted child
Whether they like it or not, introverts are currently getting a lot of attention, in part due to the best selling book “Quiet,” by Susan Cain. People who would have never guessed they were introverted are scoring high on the online tests, leaving many to wonder, “What exactly is this introversion thing?” and “How am I ensuring that I reach all children in an environment clearly geared toward extroverts?” Carl Jung is credited with identifying extroverted and introverted patterns and habits of behavior. He found that while most people have characteristics of both extroverts and introverts, there is a distinct dominant preference for an environment in which an individual works best and feels energized. The introvert’s main focus is the internal world of thoughts and concepts, while the extrovert’s main focus is on the external world of people and activities. These traits and preferences impact our learning styles, social choices, perceptions and judgments. There are many online tests that indicate if you lean toward the introverted or 22 | November 2014 | austinfamily.com
extroverted end of the personality spectrum. You may have introvert tendencies if you: crave private space and time, find large groups of people to be draining, don’t like to be the center of attention, find external reward systems to be motivating, get “lost” or absorbed in your thoughts and ideas, are easily agitated and irritated if you are not able to have undisturbed or “alone” time, communicate best one-on-one or through writing, and form few, but deep, friendships and attachments. In her book “Quiet,” Cain stresses the important and often misunderstood difference between shyness and introversion. “Shyness is the fear
of social disapproval or humiliation, while introversion is a preference for environments that are not overstimulating. Shyness is inherently painful; introversion is not.” There are plenty of shy extroverts and outgoing introverts. Determining if a child is shy or is an introvert is important. When working with shy students, we want to minimize their discomfort and help them learn new strategies if they are interested in becoming more outgoing. When working with introverts, we should be mindful of their needs, including the following: Introverts need time Marti Olsen Laney, a psychotherapist and expert on introversion, reports that
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the difference between extroverted and introverted personalities begins with brain chemistry. Neural pathways in introverts are longer and more complex, perhaps leading to the need for more time to let things really “sink in.” Teachers might be tempted to always call on the first child who raises her hand, but with a simple count to 10, teachers may hear the answers of more children.
participate in class but is afraid or lacks confidence, then the adults in her life should step up and pay attention. Social skills and strategies can be learned, and parents and school staff can find ways to improve self-esteem by reinforcing the child’s strengths and ensuring the student has opportunities to participate. As with any learning difference, the outcomes are best when all parties—
student, parents and teachers—are flexible, embrace differences and seek to understand each other. If everyone involved is willing to take risks and try new strategies, the student is more likely to reach his or her highest potential. Jennifer VanBuren is a Georgetown educator and mother of three boys who span the entire spectrum of personality traits.
Introverts need space Since introverts recharge in solitude, it is important to provide them space to be alone. In elementary classrooms, this space can be a tunnel, “cave”, or tent. Finding space is more difficult in middle and high schools, especially in over-crowded classrooms. When possible, these students can find some solace in a comfy chair or reading nook in the corner of the classroom. At the least, teachers can assign students who would benefit from more space to the edges of the classroom. Headphones may also provide some much-needed quiet time. Asynchronous learning can help Over the past years, the school system has been driven to stress cooperative learning and collaborative projects, which may or may not be academically sound. Cain writes, “research strongly suggests that people are more creative when they enjoy privacy and freedom from interruption.” Group work can be especially frustrating to introverts when outgoing students dominate the discussion. It is also difficult for some students to process new information among the chatter and constant interaction upon which many other students thrive. There is another way. Asynchronous learning uses online resources, which allow students to work together without constraints of time or space. These opportunities can be useful in classroom projects among several students in the same class or huge networks in which peer-to-peer interactions are a part of the learning. There are resources designed specifically to support asynchronous learning that teachers can use to manage, monitor and guide students. As with any personality trait, balance is essential. An extrovert may find himself in trouble by being too gregarious, motivated by attention, or unable to be alone without getting anxious or depressed. There may be a concern with an introverted child if she has no friends and spends all her time alone, and not by choice. When a student wants to Pick us up at HEB, Whole Foods and Central Market
austinfamily.com | November 2014 | 23
Niños Tranquilos, Mentes Bulliciosas
Haciendo espacio y tiempo para el niño introvertido
En su libro “Quiet,” Cain subraya la importancia y a menudo el mal entendido en la diferencia entre la timidez y la introversión. “La timidez es temor a la desaprobación social o la humillación, mientras que la introversión es una preferencia por un ambiente que no sea demasiado estimulante. La timidez es intrínsecamente dolorosa; la introversión no es. “Hay muchos extrovertidos tímidos e introvertidos sociables. Es importante determinar si un niño es tímido o introvertido. Cuando se trabaja con estudiantes tímidos, queremos minimizar sus molestias y ayudarles a aprender nuevas estrategias si están interesados en ser más sociables. Cuando se trabaja con introvertidos, deberíamos ser conscientes de sus necesidades, incluyendo las siguientes: Los introvertidos necesitan tiempo Marti Olsen Laney, un psicoterapeuta y experto en la introversión, informa que la diferencia entre personalidades extrovertidas e introvertidas comienza con la química del cerebro. Vías neurales en los introvertidos son más largos y más complejos, quizás llevándolos a la necesidad de más tiempo para dejar que las cosas realmente “se absorban”. Los maestros pueden tener la tentación de siempre elegir al primer niño que levanta la mano, pero con un simple recuento a 10, los maestros pueden escuchar las respuestas de más niños. Los introvertidos necesitan espacio Ya que los introvertidos recargan en la soledad, es importante proporcionarles espacio para estar solos. En los salones de clases de primarias, este espacio puede ser un túnel, “cueva” o tienda de campaña. Encontrar espacio es más difícil en secundarias y
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es guste o no, los introvertidos están recibiendo actualmente mucha atención, en parte debido a el libro más vendido “Quiet”, de Susan Cain. Las personas que nunca habrían imaginado que eran introvertidos están obteniendo altos puntajes en las pruebas que se toman en línea, dejando a muchos preguntándose: “¿Qué es exactamente esta cosa de la introversión?” y “¿Como estoy asegurando alcanzar a todos los niños en un ambiente claramente orientado hacia los extrovertidos?” Carl Jung se acredita con la identificación de patrones extrovertidos e introvertidos y hábitos de comportamiento. Él encontró que mientras la mayoría de la gente tiene características tanto de extrovertidos como de introvertidos, hay una preferencia dominante distinta para un ambiente en el cual un individuo trabaja mejor y se siente energizado. El enfoque principal del introvertido es el mundo interior de pensamientos y conceptos, mientras que el enfoque principal del extrovertido está en el mundo exterior de las personas y actividades. Estos rasgos y preferencias impactan nuestros estilos de aprendizaje, opciones sociales, percepciones y juicios. Hay muchas pruebas en línea que indican si se inclina hacia el extremo introvertido o extrovertido del espectro de la personalidad. Puede tener tendencias introvertidas si usted: ansía tiempo y espacio privado y encuentra grandes grupos de personas ser agotadoras, no le gusta ser el centro de atención y encuentra los sistemas de recompensa externa ser motivadores, se “pierde” o absorbe en sus pensamientos e ideas, se agita e irrita fácilmente si no puede tener sin ser molestado o “solo”, se comunica mejor de uno a uno o a través de la escritura y hace pocas, pero profundas amistades y apegos.
24 | November 2014 | austinfamily.com
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Holiday Camps 2014
Art & Soul Thanksgiving Art Camp 3801 Berkman Drive Suite A, Austin 512.820.1449 www.artandsoulclasses.com November 26th & 28th Art Sampler: Creativity, Inspiration, and Me! December 22, 23, 24, and 26 Art & Soul Frozen Art Camps 3 to 10 years old 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Half day options
Ballet Austin A Frozen Art Camp Enroll at www.balletaustin.org/kidszone December 29th – January 2nd Ages 3 to 5 years Wednesdays Nov. 5, Nov. 12 and Nov. 18, 11-11:45 a.m. NOTE: Parents are welcome to join this class Ballet Austin’s Stories & Music in Motion: The Nutcracker Ages 3 to 5 Dec. 10, 11 to 11:45 a.m. Ballet Austin’s Winter Wonderland Camp Ages 5 to 8 Jan. 3, 2015, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Camp Doublecreek Winter Blast Camp 800 Doublecreek Dr., Round Rock 512-255-3661
campdoublecreek.com December 29 to 31
Capital Gymnastics: Pflugerville, N. Austin, Cedar Park 512-251-2439, 512-219-9930, 512-259-9995 Winter Break Fun Thanksgiving Break Fun www.capgym.com Ages 3 & up Full day and Half day
Dance Discovery Nutcracker Holiday Avery Ranch Location November 24 to 25 9:30 a.m.to1:30 p.m. Ages 3 to 9 Allandale Location (one block north of 2222/Burnet) December 22 to 23 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Ages 3 to 10 Ballet, Hip Hop, Jazz, & Theatre Arts Maximum Taekwondo & Yoga Thanksgiving Camp 6929 Airport Blvd. Suite 146, Austin 512-371-8989 maxtkdyoga.com November 26
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Sugar & Spice Thanksgiving Family Package Bandera 803-460-8487 texashorsecamps.com Nov. 25 thru 30 Sugar & Spice Ranch Mother/Daughter Christmas Break Dec 27 thru Jan 2 Tex-Arts Thanksgiving Break Camp 2300 Lohman’s Spur, Austin, TX 78734. www.tex-arts.org or 512-852-9079 x104 Best of “How The Grinch Stole Christmas” Extended care available. Winter Break Camp Best of “Frozen” Dec. 29, 30, 31, Jan 2 November 24 thru November 26 Ages 5 to 14 Full Day 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Half Day 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. YMCA Austin Winter Holiday Camps 2014 512-322-9622 austinymca.org/programs/holiday-camps-1 Check out website for various locations and activities. Dec 22, 23, 26 Dec. 29, 30, and Jan. 2
austinfamily.com | November 2014 | 25
2014 Holiday Huge selection of camera and video gift ideas Precision Camera & Video 2438 W. Anderson Ln. B-4 512-467-7676 www.precision-camera.com
Magnetic Blocks by Tegu Terra Toys 2438 W. Anderson Lane 512-445-4498 terratoys.com
Paint your own pottery studio Cafe Monet Westgate 512-892-3200 Triangle 512-906-2200 San Marcos 512-805-2800 cafemonet.org
26 | November 2014 | austinfamily.com
Meal kits Gourmet by Numbers 512-270-9738 info@gourmetbynumbers.com twitter @gourmetbynumbers facebook /gourmetbynumbers Dragonsnaps 2438 W. Anderson Lane Inside Terra Toys 512-445-4497 dragonsnaps.com
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y Gift Guide DIY Art Studio Ceramics Bayou 3620 Bee Caves Rd. 512-328-1168 ceraicsbayou.com
Holiday Performances TexARTS 2300 Lohman’s Spur 512-852-9097 tex-arts.org
Gift Certificates Austin Aquarium 13530 N. Hwy 183 512-222-5586 facebook.com/austinaquarium
Anthem of the Ants
Holiday Centerpiece Cookies by Design 13343 Hwy 183 512-257-8400 cookiesbydesign.com
FiveLoaves TwoFish Pick us up at HEB, Whole Foods and Central Market
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preparatorias, especialmente en los salones superpoblados. Cuando sea posible, estos estudiantes pueden encontrar un poco de consuelo en una silla cómoda o un rincón de lectura en una esquina del salón de clases. Por lo menos, los maestros pueden asignar a los estudiantes que beneficien de más espacio a las orillas del salón de clases. Los audífonos también pueden proporcionar un poco de tranquilidad que tanto necesitan.
mejorar el autoestima al reforzando las fortalezas del niño y asegurar que el estudiante tenga la oportunidad de participar.
crados están dispuestos a asumir riesgos y probar nuevas estrategias, el estudiante tiene más probabilidades de alcanzar su máxima potencial.
Como con cualquier diferencia de aprendizaje, los resultados son mejores cuando todas las partes – estudiantes, padres y maestros – son flexibles, aceptan las diferencias y tratan de entenderse mutuamente. Si todos los involu-
Jennifer VanBuren es una educadora de Georgetown y madre de tres niños que abarcan todo el espectro de los rasgos de personalidad.
Aprendizaje asíncrono puede ayudar En los últimos años, el sistema escolar se ha impulsado a destacar el aprendizaje cooperativo y proyectos de colaboración, que pueden o no ser académicamente bueno. Cain escribe, “investigaciones sugieren fuertemente que las personas son más creativas cuando disfrutan de la privacidad y la libertad sin interrupción.” El trabajo en grupo puede ser especialmente frustrante para los introvertidos cuando los estudiantes más abiertos dominan la discusión. También es difícil para algunos estudiantes de procesar información nueva entre las charlas y la interacción constante sobre la cual muchos otros estudiantes prosperan. Hay otra manera. Aprendizaje asíncrono utiliza los recursos en línea, que permiten a los estudiantes trabajar juntos sin limitaciones de tiempo o espacio. Estas oportunidades pueden ser útiles en proyectos de salón de clases entre varios estudiantes de la misma clase o enormes redes en las que interacciones de compañero a compañero son parte del aprendizaje. Hay recursos diseñados específicamente para apoyar el aprendizaje asincrónico que los maestros pueden utilizar para administrar, supervisar y orientar a los estudiantes. Como con cualquier rasgo de personalidad, el equilibrio es esencial. Un extrovertido puede encontrarse a sí mismo en problemas al ser demasiado sociable, motivado por la atención o no poder estar a solas sin sentirse ansioso o deprimido. Puede haber un problema con un niño introvertido si no tiene amigos y pasa todo su tiempo a solas, y no por elección. Cuando un estudiante quiere participar en la clase, pero tiene miedo o no tiene confianza, entonces los adultos en su vida deben acercarse y poner atención. Estrategias y habilidades sociales pueden ser aprendidas, y los padres y el personal escolar pueden encontrar maneras de Pick us up at HEB, Whole Foods and Central Market
austinfamily.com | November 2014 | 31
lifelines by Sara Rider
How to be a smart patient Easy tips for getting the most out of your family’s healthcare
G
ood health is something Americans value. In fact, according to PBS, the average American spent $8,233 on medical care in 2012—not including the amount spent on health insurance. You’d think we would know the ins-and-outs of something to whichwe devote so much time and effort. But many of us aren’t comfortable with even the basics of healthcare when should we take our children to the doctor? When should we call the nurse? When should we use over-the-counter (OTC) medications?
Getting the care you and your family need often comes down to common sense and good communication. Here’s some information to help you better navigate the world of medicine. When should I take my child to the doctor? Perhaps because we don’t want to seem like we’re over-reacting, many parents can be uncertain when to visit the doctor. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), you should contact your doctor immediately if your child has constant vomiting or diarrhea, a severe headache, a sore throat, ear ache, or stomach pain. Other symptoms that should send you to the physician’s office include a stiff neck, loss of appetite, a pale appearance, wheezing or problems breathing, or unresponsiveness. When is fever a concern? According to Dr. Carly Thompson of Premier Family Physicians, many parents are uncertain about when fever is a sign that something is wrong. “By far the most common call we get is about fever,” says Dr. Thompson. “A good general guide is that when fever is above 102° in children older than six months, you should see a doctor.” Dr. Thompson says “it’s not actually how much fever the child has that is concerning to the doctor, it’s more the way the 32 | November 2014 | austinfamily.com
child is acting.” If a child has a fever of 104°, but Tylenol brings it down in 45 minutes “and they’re running around, playing, eating and having wet diapers— then it’s clearly not an emergency,” explains Dr. Thompson. She also cautions that extreme symptoms combined with fever can mean a trip to the Emergency Room. “If you’ve given them Tylenol and the fever has not come down in an hour, or if they are difficult to rouse or inconsolable—not just fussy, but crying, crying, crying—those are reasons to go to the ER.”
appointment with an expected plan,” says Dr. Thompson. “Patients should always ask their provider, ‘How long should I expect this illness to last? If it’s not getting better, what do I do next?’”
The AAFP also advises that in very young children, even a lower fever can be a cause for concern. They advise calling your doctor right away if there’s a rectal temperature of 100.4° or higher in a child three months or younger or a fever of 102° or higher in babies three to six months of age, even if they don’t seem sick.
When should I contact my doctor’s nurse? The AAFP reminds patients that when the doctor isn’t available, patients should be able to talk to the physician’s nurse. “A nurse is a great help when parents have questions as to whether or not their child needs to be seen,” says Dr. Thompson. “Do we need to come in today? Do we need to go to the ER? Can we just wait for a few days?”
Dr. Thompson points out that these recommendations apply only to immunized children. “Unfortunately, there are quite a few unimmunized kids in Austin,” she says. “These kids are not protected against serious bacterial infections, so they always need to be seen when they have a fever.” We’ve been to the doctor, but there’s no improvement. Now what? “It’s a smart thing to leave the doctor’s
The AAFP advises writing down what your doctor tells you and calling your doctor if you get confused about the treatment. “Your doctor should also tell you when to return to the workforce or to school or to daycare,” says Dr. Thompson.
Dr. Thompson also reminds parents that the nurse is a good source for other information. “A nurse can tell you what’s a safe dose for a child based on age, and also can tell you things to watch for,” continues Dr. Thompson. “And call the nurse when you don’t remember the next step—like when your child can go back to
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school. If you’ve forgotten something, the nurse can let you know what the doctor’s notes say to do.” What about OTC medicines? Drug stores and grocery stores are full of aisles of over-the-counter medications. But the AAFP cautions that just because these medicines are for sale doesn’t mean they are harmless. In particular, cough and cold medicines can be harmful for children. The AAFP reminds parents to get their doctor’s approval, before they give OTC cough and cold medicines to children younger than four years of age, or give more than one OTC cough or cold medicine to a child at the same time. And never give a child an adult OTC medicine. “Some cough suppressants have cardiac side effects, and there have been deaths associated with overuse of cough medicine in kids,” cautions Dr. Thompson. Not sure which OTC to pick? Ask the pharmacist. “Pharmacists know about each medicine and interactions between medicines,” says Dr. Thompson, “and what symptoms each medicine will help.” The OTCs that concern Dr. Thompson the most are the ones labeled natural. “People see ‘natural’ on something, and they assume that it’s safe,” she says. “But ‘natural’ is another way of saying that the Federal Drug Administration has not approved that medicine. They’re not regulated, so the products can have variable quantities of the active ingredient in them. I just think people have to realize that ‘natural’ doesn’t always mean ‘safe.’” Sara Rider is a native Austinite who has worked with physicians and hospitals throughout Texas. She frequently writes freelance articles on health topics for newspapers and magazines.
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calendar 11/14
family events Saturday 1
A Year with Frog and Toad Saturdays and Sundays All month
Breakfast with Santa Nov. 21
Elf: The Musical Nov 28-30 The Long Center
Chuy’s Children Giving to Children Parade Nov. 29
family events page 34 parenting events page 38 storytimes page 40 exhibits: visit www.austinfamily.com 34 | November 2014 | austinfamily.com
Above and Beyond: The Medal of Honor in Texas 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. weekdays; 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekends. Texas Capitol Visitors Center. FREE. tspb.state.tx.us or 512-305-8400. Madrone Canyon Trail Hike 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Laura’s Library, Madrone Canyon entrance at library parking lot, 9411 Bee Cave Rd. westbanklibrary.com or 512-327-3045. Texas Renaissance Festival 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. 21778 FR 1774, Todd Mission. texrenfest.com. Fare Walk for Food Allergy 10 a.m. Family friendly. Mueller Austin Lake Park, 4600 Mueller Blvd. foodallergy.org or 817-909-7211. Fall Festival and Corn Maze 10 a.m. to dusk Saturdays; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays. Barton Hills Farms, 1115 FM 969, Bastrop. 3 to 10 years $7; 11 years and up $10. bartonhillfarms.com or 512-577-6541. Craft Fair 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Recreation Center, 1435 Main St., Cedar Park. FREE. cedarparktexas. gov or 512-401-5500. Bunnicula 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Scottish Rite Theater, 207 West 18th St. Under 12 years $8; general $13. scottishritetheater.org or 512-4725436. A Year With Frog and Toad 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturdays; 2 and 4:30 p.m. Sundays. Ages 3 and up. Zach Theatre, Kleberg Stage, 1510 Toomey Rd. zachtheatre.org or 512-476-0541 ext. 1. Sixth Annual Fable Fest 12 to 6 p.m. Elizabeth Milburn Park, 550 Discovery Blvd., Cedar Park. fablefest.com. Giant Chess 12:30 to 3 p.m. Wooldridge Square Park, 900 Guadalupe St. FREE. giantchess.org. Family Movie Matinee—Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2 p.m. Windsor Park Branch, 5833 Westminster Dr. FREE. library.austintexas. gov or 512-974-9840. 2014 Opening of the Bee Cave Sculpture Park 2 to 4 p.m. 13333 Hwy 71, Bee Cave. FREE. sculpturesofbeecave.org. Saturday Night Concerts 7 to 9 p.m. Hill Country Galleria Outdoor amphitheater. FREE. hillcountrygalleria.com.
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Farce of Nature 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday; 5:30 p.m. Sunday. The City Theatre, 3823 Airport Blvd., Suite D. $10 children under 10; Thursdays $10; Friday to Sunday $15. citytheatreaustin. org or 512-524-2870.
Sunday 2
Daylight Saving Time Ends First Sundays Free 12 to 3 p.m. Bob Bullock State History Museum, 1800 N. Congress Ave. thestoryoftexas.com or 512-936-8746. First Sunday Family Day 12 to 4 p.m. Families with children four to 14 years old. FREE. Umlauf Sculpture Garden, 605 Robert E. Lee Rd. umlaufsculpture.org or 512-445-5582. CONTINUING: Fall Festival and Corn Maze see Saturday 1; Farce of Nature see Saturday 1; A Year With Frog and Toad see Saturday 1; Texas Renaissance Festival see Saturday 1; Above and Beyond: The Medal of Honor in Texas see Saturday 1.
Monday 3
CONTINUING: Above and Beyond: The Medal of Honor in Texas see Saturday 1.
Tuesday 4
CONTINUING: Farce of Nature see Saturday 1; Above and Beyond: The Medal of Honor in Texas see Saturday 1.
Wednesday 5
Storytime Tours 10:30 a.m. Ages 3 to 7 years and their adult companions. Blanton Museum, 23rd St. and San Jacinto. blantonmuseum.org or 512471-5482. High Noon Talk Noon. Bob Bullock State History Museum, 1800 N. Congress Ave. thestoryoftexas.com or 512-936-8746. Community Nights 5 to 8 p.m. Thinkery, 1830 Simond Ave. Admission is by donation, suggested $1. thinkeryaustin.org or 512-469-6200. Wednesday Night Contra Dancing 7:30 to 9:45 p.m. Everyone welcome. Hancock Recreation Center, 811 E. 41st St. FREE. austinbarndancers.org or 512-453-4225. CONTINUING: Farce of Nature see Saturday 1; Above and Beyond: The Medal of Honor in Texas see Saturday 1.
Austin Family is now making it easier for you to submit your calendar event. Go to www.austinfamily.com, click on “Submit your event” and send in your entry. The deadline is the 10th of each month preceding the month of the event. Events less than $15 usually are listed. For events more than $15, send details to kaye2003@austinfamily.com.
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Thursday 6
First Thursday All day to 10 p.m. South Congress Ave. from Barton Springs Rd. to Elizabeth St. firstthursday.info. Thursday Noon Concerts 12 to 12:30 p.m. Central Presbyterian Church, 200 E. Eighth St. Concert FREE. cpcaustin.org or 512-472-2445. First Thursdays Downtown Buda 5 to 9 p.m. Downtown Buda. budachambertx. com. Starry Nights at Girlstart 5:30 to 7 p.m. All ages welcome. Girlstart, 1400 Anderson Square. girlstart.org CONTINUING: Farce of Nature see Saturday 1; Above and Beyond: The Medal of Honor in Texas see Saturday 1; Storytime Tours see Wednesday 5.
Friday 7
Annual Wurstfest 5 p.m. weekdays; 11 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. Landa Park, 120 Landa St., New Braunfels. Children under 12 FREE; admission $7. wurstfest.com or 830-6259167 or 800-221-4369. First Fridays on the Square 5 to 10 p.m. Historic Downtown square. thegeorgetownsquare.com or 512-868-8675. CONTINUING: Farce of Nature see Saturday 1; Above and Beyond: The Medal of Honor in Texas see Saturday 1; Storytime Tours see Wednesday 5.
Saturday 8
Veterans Day Parade 8:30 a.m. to noon. Downtown San Marcos. FREE. ci.san-marcos.tx.us Gault Archaeological Site Tours 9 a.m. Williamson Museum, 716 S. Austin Ave. Tour price $10; children 10 and under FREE. williamsonmuseum.org or 512-943-1670. Bright Leaf Hikes 9 to 11:30 a.m. Bright Leaf Preserve, Creek Mountain Rd. brightleaf.org or 512-459-7269. 23rd Annual Austin Powwow and American Indian Heritage Festival 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Toney Burger Center, 3200 Jones Rd., Sunset Valley. austinpowwow.net or 512-371-0628. 13th Annual Arts and Craft Show 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Clay Madsen Recreation Center, 1600 Gattis School Rd., Round Rock. FREE, but please bring a canned good donation. roundrocktexas.gov or 512-218-3220. Veterans Parade and Ceremony 9:30 a.m. parade; 11 a.m. event. Veterans Memorial Park, 2525 W. New Hope Dr., Cedar Park. cedarparktexas.gov or 512-401-5500.
Celebrate Thanksgiving with Citizens of the Past 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Williamson Museum, 716 South Austin Ave. FREE for children of all ages. williamsonmuseum.org or 512-943-1670. Second Saturday Market Days and Concert 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Downtown Square, Georgetown. FREE. visit.georgetown.org. Christmas at the Caswell House 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Caswell House, 1404 West Ave. $5 general admission at the door. austinjuniorforum.org or 512-4720779. Second Saturdays are for Families 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Recommended for ages 2 to 11. Laguna Gloria, 3809 W. 35th St. General admission $10 per family; $5 for member families. thecontemporaryaustin. org or 512-458-8191. Healthy Living Celebration Fun Run 12 to 3 p.m. Westwood High School, 12400 Mellow Meadow Dr. 512-797-9961 Wildflower Days—2015 Art Revealed Check website for time. Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, 4801 La Crosse Ave. wildflower.org or 512-232-0100. Christian Youth Fun Event 3 to 7 p.m. come and go; 4 p.m. worship. All church youth groups welcome. Elgin Christmas Tree Farm, 120 Nature’s Way, Elgin. $6 students; adults FREE and welcome. elginchristmastreefarm.com or 512-281-5016. CONTINUING: Fall Festival and Corn Maze see Saturday 1; Farce of Nature see Saturday 1; A Year With Frog and Toad Saturday 1; Saturday Night Concerts see Saturday 1; Texas Renaissance Festival see Saturday 1; Above and Beyond: The Medal of Honor in Texas see Saturday 1; Annual Wurstfest see Friday 7.
Sunday 9
ImprovED Shakespeare Presents Henry IV, Part I 2 p.m. Faulk Library, 800 Guadalupe St. FREE. austintexas.gov/event/improvedshakespeare-presents-henry-iv-part-1 or 512-974-7400. CONTINUING: Fall Festival and Corn Maze see Saturday 1; Farce of Nature see Saturday 1; A Year With Frog and Toad Saturday 1; Texas Renaissance Festival see Saturday 1; Above and Beyond: The Medal of Honor in Texas see Saturday 1; Wildflower Days-2015 Art Revealed see Saturday 8; Annual Wurstfest see Friday 7; Christmas at the Caswell House see Saturday 8; Bright Leaf Hikes see Saturday 8.
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Monday 10
Second Saturday Market Days and Concerts 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Historic Downtown Square, Georgetown. thegeorgetownsquare.com. CONTINUING: Farce of Nature see Saturday 1; Above and Beyond: The Medal of Honor in Texas see Saturday 1; Annual Wurstfest see Friday 7; Christmas at the Caswell House see Saturday 8.
Tuesday 11
Veterans Day Veterans Day Parade and Memorial Ceremony 9 a.m. to noon. Parade begins at Congress Ave. Bridge and proceeds to south steps of the State Capitol Building. FREE. nov11.org Veterans Day Ceremony 11 a.m. to noon. Pfluger Park, 515 City Park Rd., Pflugerville. FREE. facebook.com/ pfvetsday. CONTINUING: Farce of Nature see Saturday 1; Above and Beyond: The Medal of Honor in Texas see Saturday 1; Annual Wurstfest see Friday 7; Christmas at the Caswell House see Saturday 8.
Wednesday 12
Thinkery at the Library 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. ages 8 to 14. Windsor Park Branch, 5833 Westminster Dr. FREE. library. austintx.gov or 512-974-9840.
CONTINUING: Farce of Nature see Saturday 1; Storytime Tours see Wednesday 5; Annual Wurstfest see Friday 7; Wednesday Night Contra Dancing see Wednesday 5; Community Nights see Wednesday 5; Christmas at the Caswell House see Saturday 8.
Thursday 13
Movies in the Park: The Dark Knight 6:15 p.m. Republic Square Park, 422 Guadalupe St. Alcoholic beverages, glass and Styrofoam are not permitted in the park. FREE. austinparks.org. CONTINUING: Farce of Nature see Saturday 1; Storytime Tours see Wednesday 5; Thursday Noon Concerts see Thursday 6; Annual Wurstfest see Friday 7; Christmas at the Caswell House see Saturday 8.
Friday 14
CONTINUING: Farce of Nature see Saturday 1; Storytime Tours see Wednesday 5; Annual Wurstfest see Friday 7.
Saturday 15
Annual Austin CureSearch Walk 9 a.m. register; 10 a.m. walk. Mueller Park, 4550 Mueller Blvd. curesearchwalk.org. Pfall Pfest Craft Show 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Pflugerville Recreation
Center, 100 Immanuel Rd. FREE. txpflugerville3.civicplus.com. Amber and Nick Radio Hour 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Saturdays; 12:30 and 2:30 p.m. Sundays. Scottish Rite Theater, 207 West 18th St. Under 12 years $8; general admission $13. scottishritetheater.org or 512-472-5436. CONTINUING: Farce of Nature see Saturday 1; A Year With Frog and Toad Saturday 1; Texas Renaissance Festival see Saturday 1; Saturday Night Concerts see Saturday 1; Annual Wurstfest see Friday 7.
Sunday 16
Annual Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure 6 a.m. registration opens; 7:30 a.m. participants start. Downtown Austin at MLK and Congress. roadwayevents.com/event/ komen-race-for-the-cure. CONTINUING: Farce of Nature see Saturday 1; A Year With Frog and Toad Saturday 1; Texas Renaissance Festival see Saturday 1; Annual Wurstfest see Friday 7; Amber and Nick Radio Hour see Saturday 15.
Wednesday 19
“Little Turkeys” Cedar Park PARD 3 to 5:30 p.m. For ages 3 to 10 years. Must be potty trained. Cedar Park Recreation Center, 1435 Main St., Cedar Park. cedarparktexas.gov.
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36 | November 2014 | austinfamily.com
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Anime Club 3:30 p.m. Southeast Branch, 5803 Nuckols Crossing Rd. FREE. library.austintexas.gov. or 512-974-8840. Family Movie Night—Frozen 6 p.m. University Hills Branch, 4721 Loyola Ln. FREE. library.austintexas.gov or 512974-9940. CONTINUING: Wednesday Night Contra Dancing see Wednesday 5; Community Nights see Wednesday 5; Storytime Tours see Wednesday 5.
Thursday 20
Third Thursday at the Blanton 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Blanton Museum, Congress Ave. and Martin King Blvd. Admission and programs are FREE. blantonmuseum.org or 512-471-5482. Studio Spotlight 12 to 12:30 p.m.; 6 to 7 p.m. Recommended for ages 8 and up. Ballet Austin Ventures, 501 West Third St. FREE—please register online. balletaustin.org or 512-501-8703. Annual Christmas Affair 12 to 9 p.m. Thursday; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday; 11 a.m. to 4 p.m Sunday. Palmer Events Center, 900 Barton Springs Rd. jlaustin.org. CONTINUING: Storytime Tours see Wednesday 5; Thursday Noon Concert see Thursday 6; Annual Christmas Affair see Thursday 20.
Friday 21
Breakfast with Santa 9 a.m. Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. Sunday. Palmer Events Center, 900 Barton Springs Blvd. $25. jlaustin.org CONTINUING: Storytime Tours see Wednesday 5; Annual Christmas Affair see Thursday 20.
Saturday 22
Adoption Day 10th Annual Leander High Craft Market 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Leander High School, 3301 S. Bagdad Rd., Leander. Rain or shine. Kids under 12 FREE; admission $3. leandercc.org or 512-522-5466. ImprovED Shakespeare Presents Henry IV, Part I 3 p.m. Carver Branch Library, 1161 Angelina
St., FREE. austintexas.gov/event/improvedshakespeare-presents-henry-iv-part-1 or 512-974-1010. Tree Lighting 12 to 5 p.m. entertainment; 6 p.m. tree lighting. The Domain, 11410 Century Oaks Terrace. FREE. thedomaininaustin.com or 512-873-8099. CONTINUING: A Year With Frog and Toad Saturday 1; Texas Renaissance Festival see Saturday 1; Amber and Nick Radio Hour see Saturday 15; Annual Christmas Affair see Wednesday 19; Breakfast with Santa see Friday 21.
Ten ways... to show gratitude
Sunday 23
Fibonacci Day Check website for time. Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower, 4801 La Crosse Ave. wildflower. org or 512-232-0100. 18th Annual Austin Empty Bowl Project 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Marchesa Hall and Theatre in Lincoln Village across from Highland Mall. $20 donation. austinemptybowl.org. CONTINUING: Texas Renaissance Festival see Saturday 1; Amber and Nick Radio Hour see Saturday 15; Annual Christmas Affair see Thursday 20; Breakfast with Santa see Friday 21.
Monday 24
Crafternoon 3:30 p.m. All ages. Manchaca Road Branch, 5500 Manchaca Rd. FREE. library. austintexas.gov or 512-974-8700.
Wednesday 26
Thinkery at the Library 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. ages 8 to 14. Windsor Park Branch, 5833 Westminster Dr. FREE. library.austintx.gov or 512-974-9840. Culture Nights 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. AGE Cafeteria, 3710 Cedar St. austinpowwow.net. CONTINUING: Wednesday Night Contra Dancing see Wednesday 5; Community Nights see Wednesday 5; Storytime Tours see Wednesday 5.
Thursday 27
Thanksgiving Day 24th Annual Thundercloud Turkey Trot 7:30 to 9 a.m. The Long Center, 701 W. Riverside Dr. thundercloud.com/turkey-trot.
Friday 28
Exploration Station 1 to 3 p.m. Families with kids ages 6 and up. First floor lobby, Texas State History Museum, 1800 North Congress Ave. thestoryoftexas.com or 512-936-8746.
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1 Send a holiday care package to a member of the military.
2 Organize a food drive in your neighborhood, school, or office.
3 Have family members write things they are grateful for on strips of fall-colored paper, then make a chain and hang it over the mantle.
4 Clean out your closets and donate the items to a homeless shelter.
5 Hang photos of family members and friends on bare branches in a vase.
6 Volunteer at a nursing home. 7 Start a gratitude journal. 8 Bake a pie and give it to someone special.
9 Write a thank you note to someone whose service has been meaningful to you.
10 Provide Thanksgiving dinner for a family in need.
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Elf 8 p.m. on Friday, 11 a.m., 3:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday, 1 p.m. Sunday, The Long Center, 701 W. Riverside Dr., thelongcenter.org.
Saturday 29
Annual Chuy’s Children Giving to Children Parade 11 a.m. downtown Austin. Bring a toy and give to Santa’s helpers. chuysparade.com. CONTINUING: A Year With Frog and Toad Saturday 1; Texas Renaissance Festival see Saturday 1: see Elf Friday 28.
Sunday 30
CONTINUING: A Year With Frog and Toad Saturday 1; Texas Renaissance Festival see Saturday 1; Amber and Nick Radio Hour see Saturday 15: see Elf Friday 28.
parenting events Saturday 1
An Evening with Peter Gray, Ph.D. 7 to 8:30 p.m. Clearview Sudbury School, 150 Wilshire Blvd. FREE. clearviewsudburyschool.org.
Mondays
Classes de Crianza con Cariño en Español 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. every Monday. Any Baby
Can, 1121 East Seventh St. anybabycan.org or 512-454-3743.
Tuesday 4
La Leche League Held at multiple locations in Austin, Round Rock, Georgetown, Kyle, San Marcos and Cedar Park. For locations and times visit texaslll.org or 512-272-8042. Lunch & Learn: Family Assets 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Bridges to Growth, 805 W. University Ave., Georgetown. FREE. georgetownproject.org.
Tuesdays
English Parenting Classes and Clases de Crianza con Cariño en Español 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. every Tuesday. Any Baby Can, 1121 East Seventh St. anybabycan.org or 512-454-3743. Calm and Confident Birthing 6:30 to 8 p.m. Bridges to Growth, 805 W. University Ave., Georgetown. FREE. georgetownproject.org.
Wednesday 5
SIDS, Shaken Baby Syndrome 6:30 to 8 p.m. Georgetown Project, 805 W. University Ave., Georgetown. FREE. georgetownproject.org.
Thursday 6
Austin Autism Treatment Forum—Meetup 12 to 1:30 p.m. Old Quarry Library, 7051 Village Center Dr. FREE and open to the public. meetup.com or 512-300-3820. Teaching Children about Money 7 to 8 p.m. Bridges to Growth, 805 W. University Ave., Georgetown. FREE. georgetownproject.org. Monthly Moms Meeting 7 to 9 p.m. near Hwy 183 and Anderson Mill Rd. (send email to info@ northaustinmothersclub.org for exact address) FREE. northaustinmothersclub.org.
Friday 7
Austin Autism Treatment Forum—Meetup 12 to 1:30 p.m. Old Quarry Library, 7051 Village Center Dr. FREE and open to the public. meetup.com or 512-300-3820.
Saturday 8
Parents Morning Out 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. For children with special needs, ages 2 to 5 years. Bridges to Growth, 805 W. University Ave., Georgetown. FREE. georgetownproject.org.
Thursdays
English Parenting Classes and Clases de Crianza con Cariño en Español 9 to 11 a.m. Any Baby Can, 1121 East Seventh St. anybabycan.org or 512-454-3743. 38 | November 2014 | austinfamily.com
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Postpartum Support Group 10 to 11:30 a.m. Every Thursday. No meeting Thursday Nov. 27. Any Baby Can, 1121 East Seventh St. anybabycan.org or 512-454-3743.
Tuesday 11
Lunch & Learn: Igniting Sparks in Children and Youth 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Bridges to Growth, 805 W. University Ave., Georgetown. FREE. georgetownproject.org. Open House 6 p.m. Hyde Park School, Quarries Campus, 11400 N. MoPac, RSVP to admissions@hp-schools.org
Wednesday 12
Encouraging Literacy in Toddlers and Preschoolers 6:30 to 8 p.m. Bridges to Growth, 805 W. University Ave., Georgetown. FREE. georgetownproject.org. Open House 9:30 a.m. Hyde Park School, Central Campus, 3901 Speedway, RSVP to admissions@hp-schools.org
Thursday 13
Behavior Management at Its Best: How to Teach the Difficult Child 7 to 9 p.m. Bridges to Growth, 805 W.
University Ave., Georgetown. $15. georgetownproject.org.
Wednesday 19
Toddler Issues: Tantrums, Aggression, and Potty Training 6:30 to 8 p.m. Bridges to Growth, 805 W. University Ave., Georgetown. FREE. georgetownproject.org.
Wednesday 26
Family Support Group 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Bridges to Growth, 805 W. University Ave., Georgetown. FREE. georgetownproject.org.
Saturdays
English Parenting Classes and Clases de Crianza con Cari単o en Espa単ol 3 to 5 p.m. Any Baby Can, 1121 East Seventh St. anybabycan.org or 512-454-3743. continued on page 40
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storytimes Public library storytime events listed here are free unless otherwise noted. Programs subject to change. Please contact before attending.
Sundays
Storytime Go to website for various events, locations, age groups, dates and times. Austin Public Library. FREE. library.austintexas.gov or 512-974-7400.
Mondays
Dual Language Storytime—Hora de cuentos en dos idiomas Go to website for various events, locations, age groups, dates and times. Austin Public Library. FREE. library.austintexas.gov or 512-974-7400. Musical Storytime with Mr. Mike 9:30 a.m. Ages 3 to 5 years. Leander Public Library, 1011 S. Bagdad Rd. leander.lib. tx.us or 512-259-5259. Baby Time 10 a.m. Ages 3 to 5 years. Pflugerville Public Library, 1008 W. Pfluger St. pllugervilletx.gov or 512-990-6375. Infant Storytime 10:30 a.m. Birth to 1 year. Laura’s Library,
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9411 Bee Cave Rd. westbanklibrary.co or 512-327-3045. Bookaneers 10:30 a.m. Ages 4 to 6 years. Lake Travis Community Library, 2300 Lohman’s Spur, Suite 100. laketravislibrary.org or 512-263-2885. Bookworms 10:30 a.m. ages 0 to 18 months; 11:15 a.m. ages 12 to 24 months. Wells Branch Library, 15001 Wells Port Dr. wblibrary.org or 512-989-3188. Bilingual Storytime 11 a.m. Pflugerville Public Library, 1008 W. Pfluger St. pflugervilletx.gov or 512-990-6375. Storytime at the Story Nook 11 a.m., 1 and 3 p.m. Thinkery, 1830 Simond Ave. Included in museum admission. thinkeryaustin.org or 512-469-6200. All Ages Storytime 12:30 p.m. Laura’s Library, 9411 Bee Cave Rd. westbanklibrary.com or 512-327-3045. Evening Storytime at the Library 6:30 to 7 p.m. 216 E. Main St. Round Rock. roundrocktexas.gov.
Tuesdays
Toddler and Preschool Storytimes Go to website for various events, locations, age groups, dates and times. Austin Public Library. FREE. library.austintexas.gov or 512-974-7400. Spanish and Dual Language Storytimes— Cuentos en Espanol y hora de cuentos en dos idiomas Go to website for various events, locations, age groups, dates and times. Austin Public Library. FREE. library.austintexas.gov or 512-974-7400. Baby and Me Storytime 9:30 a.m. Ages 0 to 12 months. Georgetown Public Library, 420 W. 8th St. librarygeorgetown.org or 512-930-3623. Baby and Me 9:30 a.m. Ages 24 months and under with parent. Leander Public Library, 1011 S. Bagdad Rd., leander.lib.tx.us or 512-259-5259. Storytime 10 and 11 a.m. Pflugerville Public Library, 1008 W. Pfluger St. pflugervilletx.gov or 512-990-6375. Preschool Storytime 10:30 and 11 a.m. Pflugerville Public Library, 1008 W. Pfluger St. pflgervilletx.gov or 512-990-6375. Little Texas Homeschoolers 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Wells Branch Community Library, 15001 Wells Port Dr. wblibrary.org or 512-989-3188. Tales for Tots 10:30 a.m. Toddlers ages 2 and 3 years. Lake Travis Community Library, 2300 Lohman’s
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Spur, Suite 100. laketravislibrary.org or 512-263-2885. Reading Dog R.E.A.D. Program 11 a.m. Pre-readers and readers welcome. Laura’s Library, 9411 Bee Cave Rd. westbanklibrary.com or 512-327-3045. Storytime at the Story Nook 11 a.m.; 1 and 3 p.m. Thinkery, 1831 Simond Ave. Included in museum admission. thinkeryaustin.org or 512-469-6200. Afternoon Storytime 3:30 p.m. all ages, bring the family. Westbank Library, 1309 Westbank Dr. westbanklibrary.com or 512-327-3045. Afternoon Storytime 4 p.m. all ages, bring the family. Laura’s Library, 9411 Bee Cave Rd. westbanklibrary. com or 512-327-3045. Storytime and Craft 6 and 7 p.m. Families with kids of all ages. Tickets required. Limit of 24 kids per class. Wells Branch Community Library, 15001 Wells Port Dr. wblibrary.org or 512-989-3188. Pajama Storytime 7 p.m. Willie Mae Kirk Branch, 3101 Oak Springs Dr. library.austintexas.gov or 512-974-9920. Pajama Storytime 7 p.m. Manchaca Rd. Branch, 5500 Manchaca Rd. library.austintexas.gov or 512-974-8700.
Wednesdays
Dual Language Storytime—Hora de cuentos en dos idiomas Go to website for various events, locations, age groups, dates and times. Austin Public Library. FREE. library.austintexas.gov or 512-974-7400. Toddler Storytime Go to website for various events, locations, age groups, dates and times. Austin Public Library. FREE. library.austintexas.gov or 512-974-7400. Wobbles Storytime 9:30 a.m. ages 1 to 2 years. Georgetown Public Library, 420 W. 8th St. library. georgetown.org or 512-930-3623. Toddlertime 9:30 and 10:30 a.m. 18 months to 36 months. Round Rock Public Library, 216 Main St. roudrocktexas.gov/library or 512-218-7011. Babytime 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. 12 to 18 months. Round Rock Public Library, 216 Main St. roundrocktexas.gov/library or 512-218-7011. Preschool Storytime 9:30 and 10:30 a.m. 3 years and older. Round Rock Public Library, 2106 Main St. roundrocktexas.gov/library or 512-218-7011.
Pre-K Storytime 10:30 a.m. Leander Public Library, 1011 Bagdad Rd. leander.lib.tx.us or 512-259-5259. Tot Time Storytime 10:30 a.m. 3 years and older. Westbank Library, 1309 Westbank Dr. westbanklibrary.com or 512-327-3045. Tot Time Storytime 10:30 a.m. ages 1 to 3 years. Laura’s Library, 9411 Bee Cave Rd. westbanklibrary. com or 512-327-3045. Book Babies 10:30 a.m. ages 3 to 24 months. Lake Travis Community Library, 2300 Lohman’s Spur, Suite 100. laketravislibrary.org or 512-263-2885. Story Pals Storytime 10:30 a.m. ages 3 years and older. Georgetown Public Library, 420 W. 8th St. library.georgetown.org or 512-930-3626. Storytime at the Story Nook 11 a.m.; 1 and 3 p.m. Thinkery, 1830 Simond Ave. Included in museum admission. thinderyaustin.org or 512-469-6200. Storytime with Mr. George 11 a.m. Barnes & Noble, 14010Hwy. 183. barnesandnoble.com or 512-249-5644. Afternoon Storytime 4 p.m. Laura’s Library, 9411 Bee Cave Rd. westbaklibrary.com or 512-327-3045. Arts and Crafts 6 p.m. 8 years and older with adult. Wells Branch Community Library, 15001 Wells Port Dr. wblibrary.org or 512-989-3188.
Thursdays
Spanish and Dual Language StorytimesCuentos en Español u hora de cuentos en dos idiomas Go to website for various events, locations, age groups, dates and times. Austin Public Library. FREE. library.austintexas.gov or 512-974-7400. Wobbles Storytime 9:30 a.m. Ages 1 to 2 years. Georgetown Public Library, 420 E. 8th St. library. georgetown.org or 512-930-3623. Babytime 9:30 a.m. 12 to 18 months. Round Rock Public Library, 216 E. Main St. roundrocktexas.gov/library or 512-218-3179. Infant Storytime 10:30 a.m. Birth to 1 year. Laura’s Library, 9411 Bee Cave Rd. westbanklbrary.com or 512-327-3045. Spanish Storytime 10:30 a.m. All ages. Laura’s Library, 9411 Bee Cave Rd., westbanklibrary.com or 512-327-3045.
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Preschool Storytime 10:30 a.m. 3 years and older. Round Rock Public Library, 216 E. Main St. Round Rock. roudrocktexas.gov/library or 512-218-7012. Toddlertime 10:30 a.m. 18 months to 3 years. Round Rock Public Library, 216 E. Main St. roundrocktexas.gov/library or 512-218-7011. Story Pals Storytime 10:30 a.m. Ages 3 years and older. Georgetown Public Library, 420 W. 8th St. library.georgetown.org or 512-930-3623. Storytime at the Story Nook 11 a.m., 1 and 3 p.m. Thinkery, 1830 Simond Ave. Included in museum admission. thinkeryaustin.org or 512-469-6200. Crafternoon 3:30 to 4:15 p.m. Grades K to 5 Pflugerville Public Library, 1008 W. Pfluger St. pflugervilletx.gov or 512-9900-6375.
Fridays
Dual Language Storytime-Hora de cuentos en dos idiomas Go to website for various events, locations, age groups, dates and times. Austin Public Library. FREE. library.austintexas.gov or 512-974-7400.
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Toddler and Preschool Storytime Go to website for various events, locations, age groups, dates and times. Austin Public Library. FREE. library.austintexas.gov or 512-974-7400. Baby and Me 9:30 a.m. children 24 months and younger with their parents. Leander Public Library, 1011 S. Bagdad Rd. leander.lib.tx.us or 512-259-5259. Community Storytime 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Leander Public Library, 1011 S. Bagdad Rd. leander.lib.tx.us or 512-259-5259. Babytime 9:30 a.m. ages 12 to 18 months. Round Rock Public Library, 216 E. Main St. roundrocktexas.gov/library or 512-218-3279. Story Time 10 a.m. all ages. Lake Travis Library, 2300 Lohman’s Spur, Suite 100. laketravislibrary. org or 512-263-2885. Briarcliff Storytime 10 a.m. all ages. Briarcliff Community Center, 22801 Briarcliff Dr. laketravislibrary.org or 512-263-2885. Toddler Time 10:30 a.m. ages 18 to 36 months. Wells Branch Community Library, 15001 Wells Port Rd. wblibrary.org or 512-989-3188.
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Toddlertime 10:30 a.m. 18 months to 3 years. Round Rock Public Library, 216 E. Main St. roundrocktexas.gov/library. Children’s Storytime 10:30 a.m. ages 0 to 5 years. Georgetown Public Library, 402 W. 8th St. library. georgetown.org or 512-930-3551. Storytime at the Story Nook 11 a.m., 1 and 3 p.m. Thinkery, 1830 Simond Ave. Included in museum admission. thinkeryaustin.org or 512-4696200. Preschool Storytime 11:15 a.m. Ages 3 to 5 years. Wells Branch Library, 15001 Wells Port Dr. wblibrary.org or 512-989-3188. All Ages Storytime 12:30 p.m. Laura’s Library, 9411 Bee Cave Rd. westbanklibrary.com or 512-327-3045.
Saturdays
Dual Language Storytime—Hora de cuentos en dos idiomas Go to website for various events, locations, age groups, dates and times. Austin Public Library. library.austintexas.gov or 512-974-7400. Baby Bloomers 9 to 10 a.m. ages 0 to 3 and their caregivers. Thinkery, 1830 Simond Ave. Included with museum admission.
thinkeryaustin.org or 512-469-6200. Family Storytime 11 a.m. Round Rock Public Library, 216 E. Main St. roundrocktexas.gov/library or 512-218-3279. Storytime at the Story Nook 11 a.m., 1 and 3 p.m. Thinkery, 1830 Simond Ave. Included in museum admission. thinkeryaustin.org or 512-469-6200. Story Time 11 a.m. all ages. Wells Branch Community Library, 15001 Wells Port Dr. wblibrary.org or 512-989-3188. READ to Dogs 12 to 2 p.m. Georgetown Library, 402 W. 8th St. library.georgetown.org or 512-931-7716.
802 San Marcos. frenchlegationmuseum.org or 512-472-8180. Chinese Bilingual Storytime 10:30 a.m. ages 3 and up. Round Rock Public Library, 216 E. Main, Round Rock. roundrocktexas.gov/library or 512-218-3279.
Thursday 6
Pajama Storytime 7 p.m. Manchaca Road Branch, 5500 Manchaca Rd. library.austintexas.gov or 512-974-8700.
Saturday 1
Dual Language Storytime—Hora de cuentos en dos idiomas For various locations, dates and times, visit library.austintexas.gov/programs. Lego Lab For various locations, dates and times, visit library.austintexas.gov/programs.
Tuesday 4
Children’s Story Time 10 to 10:30 a.m. French Legation Museum,
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PIENSAPOSITIVO El conocimiento de sí mismo En un estudio reciente, 75 miembros de la escuela de negocios de la Universidad de Stanford calificaron el auto conocimiento como una de las áreas de desarrollo más importantes para un líder. El auto conocimiento nos permite ver con claridad los efectos secundarios de nuestras acciones, de reconocer nuestras virtudes y nuestros defectos y así buscar superarnos. Cual sea que sea tu cargo en este momento de tu vida, ya sea–dueño de un negocio, profesionista, ama de casa, estudiante, padre o madre–empieza con reconocer tus virtudes y defectos. El tener la voluntad de cambiar las cosas que no te permiten obtener un balance físico, mental o espiritual, te convierte en un verdadero líder. Piensa positivo. Self-awareness In a recent study, 75 members at Stanford University’s business school rated self-awareness as the most important capability for leaders to develop. Self-awareness gives us the ability to observe the secondary effects of our actions, to appreciate our strengths and our weaknesses and to strive to improve. Regardless of what your title or situation is in life–professional, business owner, stay-at-home parent, student, father or mother–begin to practice selfawareness. Having the willingness to change the things that are blocking you from growing physically, mentally, and spiritually makes you a true leader. Think positive.
by Leslie Montoya Host of Despierta Austin
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Ki d e n o Z November is traditionally the month for football, Thanksgiving, and Christmas shopping. Consider changing things up! Spend more time outdoors or devote Thanksgiving to reflection, gratitude, and community connection. THE PRINTED WORD. November is Family Literacy Month. Visit a library together for story time, start a book club with friends or hold a book drive in your neighborhood and donate the books to a homeless shelter or children’s hospital. Build a neighborhood lending library and share a good read with friends and neighbors. TAKE A HIKE. Gather the family and hike in the woods…or your local park. Austin has hundreds of parks with free admission. Kick through fall leaves and catch a glimpse of birds and wildlife. Snap photos of each other on your adventure. Enjoy the fall colors and collect leaves to take home for a fun art project. IT’S TRADITION. Family traditions are handed down from generation to generation and can give your kids memories they’ll share with their own progeny. Start a new tradition as fall arrives. Take a quick vacation. Throw a fall-themed party or go simple and make Saturday your family movie night at home. Make an effort to keep the tradition alive every year. THE Y. SO MUCH MORE! The YMCA of Austin offers a wealth of programs for kids and families. From Aquatics to Academics. From Gym & Swim to Group Wellness. From Healthy Body to Hunger Prevention. Visit www. austinymca.org for details or call 512-236-9622 to find the locations nearest you.
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book recommendations by Pam Heller
For Younger Readers Lester’s Dreadful Sweaters by KG Campbell Lester is particular about everything, so when Cousin Clara comes to live with his family and begins to knit less than perfect sweaters for him to wear, he’s got an uncomfortable situation. Honestly, the sweaters are dreadful. The first is an oversized yellow “hoodie” with purple pom-poms and extremely uneven sleeves. Lester is mortified, but his parents insist he wear it to school. Before he gets home, he has devised a method for the disposal of the sweater—but to no avail. Cousin Clara merely presents Lester with another new sweater…more dreadful than the first. As each sweater meets its demise, Lester is met with another from Clara. But there is a happy ending for Lester and Clara: a band of performing circus clowns falls in love with Clara’s creations and employs her to help costume the troupe. What a great opportunity for Clara—and what a relief for Lester! Ages 4 – 8.
For Older Readers
A Snicker of Magic by Natalie Lloyd This is a story of characters and place told by an endearing and magical 12-year-old girl named Felicity Juniper Pickle. She and her younger sister have never stayed in one place for very long because their mother has a wandering heart. When they arrive in Midnight Gulch, Tennessee, Felicity feels things are going to change for the better. You see, Felicity has a special talent; she is a “word collector.” She is able to see words floating through the air, and this is the first time she has seen the word “home.” Felicity—with the help of her new friend, Jonah—breaks the spell hanging over the inhabitants of Midnight Gulch and heals her mother’s broken heart. This is a lyrical story that reveals the magic of friendship, the joy of helping others, and the strength of family. It works extremely well as a read aloud or a private read curled up in a quiet spot. Ages 10 – 14.
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Focus On Doctors
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Smart Screen Time Within the U.S., we are rapidly approaching a status in which nearly every household has at least one digital screen per individual in the home, and in our high-tech friendly region many homes have far surpassed that milestone. This has raised questions – some obvious, some not so apparent – about the impact of this monumental shift in screen-based activity on our kids. As a public, non-commercial educational media provider, KLRU feels a particular responsibility to help families embrace the potential for media-based learning while taking into account some of the concerns about excessive use. Contradicting many reports, researchers have not been able to establish a definitive link between early media viewing and Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) or Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD). However, researchers have been able to confirm the following: children aged two and younger do not learn from viewing. Parents who find that the TV is the only way to keep a baby or toddler still enough for the time it takes to jump in the shower or make an important call can take some solace that they are not doing harm. But folks who think that playing a video for a baby or toddler is more stimulating than watching a parent fold laundry or cook a meal should rethink that judgment. In part, this is because a child sees real-time action unfold in the real, three-dimensional world, and that is critical for development. In part, this is because kids are cute, and chances are strong that we will interact with them while undertaking our mundane tasks. Beyond the first two years, we know that kids can learn new language, skills and concepts from educational media but once again, interactivity is key. Children who have a chance to talk in the moment with an adult about what they are seeing and doing are able to solidify their learning. The next time your child is playing a game or watching a program, ask her to narrate the action and see where the conversation takes you. Even better than dialogue is true interaction, jointly watching and playing smart programs and games together. One key to learning in these moments is, ironically, letting the child take the lead, dictating the terms of play and the topics of discussion. In a world that is veering more toward virtual and text-based communications, this face time can be a breath of fresh air, both for your child and you. ______________ Benjamin Kramer, Ph.D., is the director of education for KLRU-TV, Austin PBS. He has come to embrace the role of “student” in play with his five-year-old son. 50 | November 2014 | austinfamily.com
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films by Jack Kyser
The Boxtrolls
(Opened September 26, Rated PG) Starring Ben Kingsley, Elle Fanning, Isaac Hempstead Wright, Jared Harris, Nick Frost, Richard Ayoade, Simon Pegg, Tracy Morgan Austin Family critical rating: HHHHH of HHHHH Austin Family Family-Friendly rating: HHHHH of HHHHH The Boxtrolls is a delightfully dark and lovingly crafted stop-motion animation feature. Eggs (Isaac Hempstead Wright) has grown up among the Boxtrolls, an underground society of troll-like creatures who scour the aboveground village of Cheesebridge at night. The wicked Archibald Snatcher (Ben Kingsley) is out to eradicate the Boxtrolls entirely, chasing them around Cheesebridge with his henchmen. The voice acting here is tremendous, with Elle Fanning adopting a great British accent and Kingsley giving a funny and menacing performance. The Boxtrolls is wonderfully strange in the way that sometimes only animation is allowed to be. With more than a few nods to eerie real-life parallels, The Boxtrolls is bold and inventive, and one of the best animated pictures I’ve seen this year. Jack Kyser is a graduate of Austin High School and 2013 graduate of New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts.
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humor
by Susana Fletcher
Rattling the cage My cousin is a full-time nanny, and she recently posted a hilarious video on Instagram in which she and her five-year-old charge engaged in a lively debate about Doc McStuffins. It ended in uproarious laughter by all parties. The caption under the video read, “Sometimes, you’ve got to rattle the cage a little.” So true. I’ve got to say, I just can’t play it straight with my own kids, either. I’ve never accepted an imaginary cup of tea that I didn’t immediately spit out and berate in a British accent (a trick I learned from my dad). Those cheeky kids are always adding “pepper” to the tea! The reactions from a child on a tea accepted and a tea sent back are wildly different; the playful rejection sparks laughter—and an added layer of imagination. They giggle all the way to the play kitchen, stir up a new cup and approach with a wicked grin. They whisper on the sly, “This one has a frog in it, mommy.” Tea parties just got more fun for everyone. You’re welcome. My husband shares this quality; he frequently changes the story lines of books at bedtime to catch the children unawares. Mouse and Bear are sweet friends who
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enjoy playing in the springtime, until the end of the story: “… and then Bear ate Mouse, and Mouse was delicious!” This is followed by boisterous protests and a game of Attack the Daddy. I would NEVER advocate frustrating your kids. Not cool. But there’s something about adding a little adversity, pushing back and giving them a chance to work around an unexpected obstacle. I like to think of it as creating slightly skeptical, problem-solving kids with a lively sense of humor. All are virtues in my book. So the next time you extend your hand to let a little kid give you five, use my go-to—“Is that all you’ve got?”—and watch what happens. Next time you meet a four-year-old, ask them if they’re 23. With your own children, surprise them with a startling twist of events. Watch their rascally and creative minds at work. It is all the reward you’ll need to give the cage a healthy rattle once in a while. Susana Fletcher is a mother of three, writer and blogger. Her favorite artistic medium is sarcasm.
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