ducation. Summer Camps. Hiking Trails. Interviews. Family Events. Smart Parentin ge Advice. Spring Break. Healthy Homes. Cool Caves. Holiday Fun. Reader APRIL 2017 vorites. After School Activities. Day Care. Back to School. Cover Kids. ®Youn riters. Day Trips. Maternity. Private School. Camp Fair. Home Safety. Nutritio hilanthropy. Entertainment. Education. Summer Camps. Hiking Trails. Interview mily Events. Smart Parenting. Sage Advice. Spring Break. Healthy Homes. Co aves.smart Holiday Fun. Readers’ Favorites. Day Care. Back Serving Austin’s Families Since 1992 parenting • healthy homes After School Activities. hool. Cover Kids. Young Writers. Day Trips. Maternity. Private School. Camp Fa ome Safety. Nutrition. Philanthropy. Entertainment. Education. Summer Camp king Trails. Interviews. Family Events. Smart Parenting. Sage Advice. Spring Brea ealthy Homes. Cool Caves. Holiday Fun. Readers’ Favorites. After School Activitie ay Care. Back to School. Cover Kids. Young Writers. Day Trips. Maternity. Priva hool. Camp Fair. Home Safety. Nutrition. Philanthropy. Entertainment. Educatio mmer Camps. Hiking Trails. Interviews. Family Events. Smart Parenting. Sag dvice. Spring Break. Healthy Homes. Cool Caves. Holiday Fun. Readers’ Favorite ter School Activities. Day Care. Back to School. Cover Kids. Young Writers. D ips. Maternity. Private School. Camp Fair. Home Safety. Nutrition. Philanthrop ntertainment. Education. Summer Camps. Hiking Trails. Interviews. Family Even mart Parenting. Sage Advice. Spring Break. Healthy Homes. Cool Caves. Holid un. Readers’ Favorites. After School Activities. Day Care. Back to School. Cov ds. Young Writers. Day Trips. Maternity. Private School. Camp Fair. Home Safe utrition. Philanthropy. Entertainment. Education. Summer Camps. Hiking Trai terviews. Family Events. Smart Parenting. Sage Advice. Spring Break. Health omes. Cool Caves. Holiday Fun. Readers’ Favorites. After School Activities. D are. Back to School. Cover Kids. Young Writers. Day Trips. Maternity. Priva hool. Camp Fair. Home Safety. Nutrition. Philanthropy. Entertainment. Educatio Our Anniversary Issue ool Caves. Holiday Fun. Readers’ Favorites. After School Activities. Day Care. Ba School. Cover Kids. Young Writers. Day Trips. Maternity. Private School. Cam ir. Home Safety. Nutrition. Philanthropy. Entertainment. Education. Summer Camp king Trails. Interviews. Family Events. Smart Parenting. Sage Advice. Spring Brea ealthy Homes. Cool Caves. Holiday Fun. Readers’ Favorites. After School Activitie ay Care. Back to School. Cover Kids. Young Writers. Day Trips. Maternity. Priva hool. Camp Fair. Home Safety. Nutrition. Philanthropy. Entertainment. Educatio mmer Camps. Hiking Trails. Interviews. Family Events. Smart Parenting. Sag dvice. Spring Break. Healthy Homes. Cool Caves. Holiday Fun. Readers’ Favorite ter School Activities. Day Care. Healthy Homes. Cool Caves. Holiday Fun. Reader vorites. After School Activities. Day Care. Back to School. Cover Kids. Youn riters. Day Trips. Maternity. Private School. Camp Fair. Home Safety. Nutritio hilanthropy. Entertainment. Education. Summer Camps. Hiking Trails. Interview mily Events. Smart Parenting. Sage Advice. Spring Break. Healthy Homes. Co CAMP GUIDE | CALENDAR | EDUCATION GUIDE | READERS’ POLL | ARTICULOS EN ESPAÑOL INSIDE! aves. Holiday Fun. Readers’ Favorites. After School Activities. Day Care.
Years
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APRIL 2017
smart parenting • healthy homes
12
Candles and Wishes
columns 11 Ten Things…
For Our 25th Anniversary!
16 22
Family Matters I’m Too Tired for Date Night! The Learning Curve Pointed Debate: Demystifying the Talk About Growth versus Proficiency
14
en español
48 Museum Exhibits 48 Family Events 53 Parenting Events
18 Asuntos Familiares
in every issue
51 Recordando Mis Raíces
7
26 Family Connections
8 Around Austin 55 Kidzone
Imagining a Driverless Future
51 Remembering My Roots 3 Things You Shouldn’t Say to a Mom
follow us: tune in:
¡Estoy Demasiado Cansada para una Noche de Cita!
51 Piensa Positivo
Cumpleaños
Hechizos Mentales
Play It Safe Recalls
Easter Eggs and Snack Bags
Birthdays
56 Just for Grins
Birthday Traditions
calendar
24 Lifelines
What Your Child Needs to Know About Dogs
20
T The Combo Birthday
by Jack Kyser
extras
This month’S review:
28 Education Guide 30 Camp Guide 52 Readers’ Poll Ballot 54 Smart Screen TIme 55 Focus on Doctors
Catch Austin Family live on “Good Day Austin” every Friday morning and “Despierta Austin” the first Friday morning of each month.
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FILM REVIEW The Zookeeper’s Wife Read online at: www.austinfamily.com/films
25th 2 5t Anniversary ry y
New items each week. Visit our website to register.
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® BY S H E R I DA M O C K
April 2017 Volume 25, No. 1
As Austin Family magazine turns 25, we are taking the month of April to celebrate the fruits of two and a half decades’ worth of connecting with our community. We treasure our advertisers, especially those who have been with us since the beginning. They are the reason we’re able to bring you quality content, free of charge, each and every month. We appreciate our contributors, including Dr. Betty Richardson, who wrote a column for our first issue and still delivers powerful, relevant advice today. Our writers care about the issues that matter to you, and we are always grateful for the work they do. But most of all, we value you: our readers. Parenting is tough work, even on the best of days. Back in 1992, when Austin Family magazine printed its first issue, we parents had to keep up with report cards, doctor appointments, soccer practice, PTA fundraisers, fire ant bites and curfews. But who knew that today’s parents would also have to be prepared for texting, social media, family data plans, video game violence and privacy settings? Just know that we are here as your local parenting resource, every month. Whether you’re struggling to get your baby to sleep, shopping for summer camps or wondering how to pay for college tuition, we’ve got you covered.
PUBLISHER Kaye K. Lowak
EDITOR Sherida Mock: editor2003@austinfamily.com
COPY EDITOR Barb Matijevich
ADVISING EDITORS Dr. Betty Kehl Richardson, Barb Matijevich
CALENDAR EDITOR Betty Kemper: calendar2003@austinfamily.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Sherida Mock, Dr. Betty Richardson, Jack Kyser, Richard Singleton, Carrie Taylor, Brenda Schoolfield, Rocio Barbosa, Margaret Nicklas, Kerrie McLoughlin and Pam Molnar
TRANSLATION TEAM Maribel Ruvalcaba, Margo Vogelpohl
GRAPHIC DESIGN
Thanks for 25 years, and let’s do 25 more!
Susie Forbes & Mary Lingle
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Jordan Ashley Photography
ADVERTISING SALES Kaye K. Lowak: kaye2003@austinfamily.com
BUSINESS & DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Greg Lowak: greg@austinfamily.com We are dedicated to serving the Greater Austin area by providing up-to-date information and ideas that promote smart parenting and healthy homes. We promote our clients’ businesses by increasing their customer bases and enhancing their public images.
Austin Family is published monthly by KKKemper Inc. Mailing Address: P.O. Box 7559, Round Rock, Texas 78683-7559 Phone Number: 512-733-0038 On the web at: www.austinfamily.com Advertising rates are available upon request. While we use great care in creating our display ads, mistakes can happen. Austin Family and the publisher are not liable for any damages arising from any typographical or mechanical errors beyond the cost of the ad. Austin Family does not necessarily endorse any of the advertisers, products or services listed in this publication. We do not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Subscriptions are available for $30 per year. Copyright 2017. All rights reserved. No portion of Austin Family may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher.
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Play it product recalls
safe
Government Recalls Toddler Swings, Frog Toys and Toy Wands Little Tikes is recalling about 540,000 toddler swings because the plastic seat can crack or break, posing a fall hazard. The recall involves Little Tikes 2-in-1 Snug’n Secure pink toddler swings. The swings have a pink T-shaped restraint in front with a Little Tikes logo and model number 615573 molded on the back of the seat. Affected units were sold at Walmart, Toys “R” Us and other stores nationwide and online at littletikes.com and other websites from November 2009 through May 2014 for about $25. Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled swings and contact Little Tikes for a refund in the form of a credit toward the purchase of another Little Tikes product.
Moose Toys is recalling about 427,000 frog toys because when the button battery is being removed, the battery’s cap can become a projectile and the battery’s chemicals can leak, posing chemical and injury hazards. The recall involves Little Live Pets Lil Frog and Lil Frog Lily Pad plastic toys. The toys were sold in pink, blue and green colors. Affected units were sold at AAFES, Target, Toys “R” Us and Walmart stores nationwide and online at amazon.com between August 2016 and February 2016 for about $15 for the Lil Frog and $25 for the Lil Frog Lily Pad. Consumers should immediately stop using the toy frogs, refrain from opening the battery compartment and contact Moose Toys for a free replacement Little Live Pet product. Feld Entertainment is recalling about 30,100 lightspinner toy wands because the top component can detach and expose an eight-inch metal rod, posing an injury hazard to young children. The recall involves light-spinner wands with lot numbers 954544 and 954603 imprinted on the bottom of the toy. The wands have either Mickey Mouse or Minnie Mouse at the top. Affected units were sold exclusively at Disney on Ice and Disney Live shows between October 2016 and November 2016 for about $22. Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled wands and contact Feld Entertainment to receive a full refund. Pick us up at HEB, Whole Foods and Central Market
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G O TO W W W. AU ST I N FA M I LY. C O M F O R W E E K LY U P DAT E S O F A RO U N D AU ST I N N E W S
Must -Do This Month
Austin Family Magazine Wins Gold Austin Family took home the hardware at this year’s PMA Convention held in early March in St. Petersburg, Florida. PMA is a national trade association of regional parenting media companies. Our own Sherida Mock (Editor of Austin Family) won a gold medal and a bronze for Q&A articles. Another gold medal went to Carrie Taylor for her monthly Humor column and still another Gold medal was awarded to Brenda Schoolfield for her Lifelines monthly column.
Congratulations to all for your outstanding achievements!
Pick up litter; it’s Keep America Beautiful Month. Thank a librarian on April 9-15, Library Week. Plant a tree on Arbor Day, April 28. Stepping Stone School is featured in the January/ February issue of ChildCare Exchange Magazine.
Early Childhood Stepping Stone School is featured in the cover of the January/ February 2017 issue of ChildCare Exchange Magazine, a national publication on early care and education. A three-page story outlines founder Rhonda Paver’s vision and Stepping Stone School’s programs, philosophy and mission. “We are deeply honored and grateful to be recognized by ChildCare Exchange and we would like to extend our thanks to all the families who, through their support, have made this wonderful accolade a possibility,” says Rhonda Paver, Stepping Stone School owner and founder.
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Public Service Scholarships To help high school students prepare for public service careers, the Travis County Emergency Services District Number 2 and the FirstIn Pfoundation are sponsoring three $1,000 scholarships for graduating seniors pursuing a college degree. Qualified applicants
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must live in District 2 and attend Pflugerville, Hendrickson or Connally high schools. The application deadline is May 8. Visit pflugervillefire.org for more information.
whether children are reaching speech and language milestones. Screenings are conducted at the UT Speech and Hearing Center and are available in English and Spanish to children ages 3 to 8 years old. The program has a goal to serve 300 to 450 children annually.
Gala Fundraiser
Speech and Hearing Screenings Through a new program at UT Austin, Central Texans can now access free screenings to identify children with possible speech or language delays and determine
Wonders & Worries, an Austinbased nonprofit that provides professional support for children during a parent’s illness, hosted its gala in February. The organization has served more than 6,500 children and family members, and provides services in English and Spanish. “I cannot overstate the value of what the organization did for my family in our hardest, most trying
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Reese Bain spoke at the Wonders & Worries gala in February.
times,” says Shelly Bain, who was diagnosed with breast cancer when her children were 4 and 7 years old. Bain’s daughter Reese spoke at the event, saying, “Wonders & Worries helped me because I could talk to other kids that were going through the same thing I was, and it helped me understand what my mom was going through. I tried to talk to my friends but they didn’t understand.”
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accepted online only and are due by April 15, 2017. For more information, visit barronprize.org/apply.
by the
numbers 9/16
Most common birthday on the calendar
Financial Literacy Young Heroes Prize Do you know a service-minded youth? The Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes celebrates inspiring, public-spirited young people from diverse backgrounds across North America. The Barron Prize annually honors 25 outstanding young leaders ages 8 to 18 who have made a significant positive impact on people, their communities or the environment. The top 15 winners each receive $5,000 to support their service work or higher education. Applications are
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In honor of Financial Literacy Month, Ramsey Solutions is hosting a scholarship contest April 6-24. Students who score 100 percent on the Financial Literacy Challenge are eligible to win prizes, including one of two $10,000 college scholarships for a high school senior, a $5,000 scholarship for a high school senior, a $2,000 scholarship for a high school senior or one of three $500 Amazon gift cards for underclassmen. To take the quiz, visit daveramsey.com/challenge. af
Source: Amitabh Chandra, Harvard University
$1.19
Cost of a gallon of gas in April 1992, the date Austin Family magazine published its first issue Source: healthychildren.org
70%
Chance that a room of 30 people will contain two that share a birthday Source: mathisfun.com
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Things…
for Our 25Th Anniversary! 1992
1. First issue released, titled Parenting in the 90s 2. Columnist Betty Richardson contributes her first column 3. A dvertisers since the beginning: Stepping Stone Schools, Camp Doublecreek, KidsActing, Heart o’ Hills, Camp Stewart, Rio Vista and Sierra Vista
1993 4. First “Readers’ Poll Favorites” survey held
1999 6. First Camp Fair held 2000
ame changed to 1997 5. NAustin Family
7. W e win the Austin Chronicle’s “Best Parenting Resource” award
2002
2009 9. First Cover Kids Contest held
8. First Young Writers Contest held
2017
10. We win three gold awards for editorial excellence from the Parenting Media Association
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Candles and Wishes:
The bulletin board at Happy Birthdays posts thank you cards from birthday box recipients.
Suzanne Gladden Helps Spread Birthday Cheer
BY S H E R I DA M O C K
She made the pledge before she knew how many kids she’d signed on to help. When it turned out to be 100 kids, she took a big breath and made it happen. “This is really accidental,” says Suzanne Gladden of the nonprofit she founded two and a half years ago. It was October 2014, and Gladden had just pulled into the Target parking lot to buy gifts for the birthday parties her daughters would be attending that weekend. In her Round Rock neighborhood, parties often go “over the top.” One year, Gladden
rented Shetland ponies to fit the unicorn theme for her daughter’s party. “They don’t even realize how lucky they are,” she says. “And I thought, I would like my kids to realize how special this is, for them to have these parties.” Sitting in her car, Gladden pulled out her cell phone and called the Texas Baptist Children’s Home. “I would like to donate a birthday party for every child for one year,” Gladden stated. “Well, we have 100 kids, ma’am,” the volunteer coordinator answered. “And I was like, whoa! But I’d already said it. I wasn’t going to go back on what I said,” Gladden recalls. And Happy Birthdays was born, with a mission to provide birthday parties to homeless and foster children in Central Texas. They’ve provided 1,400 parties already, with a goal to provide 1,000 in 2017. Gladden recently chatted with us to explain how the birthday boxes are assembled and delivered to all those smiling faces.
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• Cake mix • Icing • Candles •C upcake liners, sprinkles or other items for decorating •P arty-themed napkins and plates for 10-12 kids • Party-themed tablecloth •D ecorations (balloons, streamers or banner) • Party hats •P arty props (blowers, glow sticks, photo props, etc.) •P arty game, craft or activity for 10-12 kids •S nacks for 10-12 kids (nonperishable)
AF: How do you deliver a
• J uice boxes or drinks for 10-12 kids (non-perishable)
Gladden: We came up with
•G ift for birthday child (for teens, gift cards are popular)
birthday party?
Suzanne Gladden started Happy Birthdays in 2014.
What Goes in a Birthday Box
the idea of the birthday box, and that was basically so I could have people make these parties ahead of time. We don’t attend the actual party. It’s more like a service project you can do at
• Goodie bags for 10-12 kids • Card addressed from you
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“
home with your family or at church or whatever, and you drop the box off. On our website, there’s a volunteer page, telling how to make a box.
We don’ t go to the
AF: Did you recruit help from the
party; it’s a
beginning?
Gladden: I thought, I know a
lot of people, I’m sure a lot of people would want to help. So I bought a bunch of banker boxes and I just started telling my friends and posting on Facebook. In one month, I had 100 people, and the second month, I had 200 people. We just kind of kept going, finding more children and more organizations to serve. We now serve 18 different organizations. I wasn’t looking for this to be as big as it is, but there’s just so much support.
AF: It
seems like a fun and easy service project.
Gladden:
This is an easy, concise project you can do with your family at home. Sometimes it’s difficult to find the perfect opportunity. Do you have to go somewhere? Do you need a background check? And relatable for a child to understand. When you say, “There are kids that no one cares that it’s their birthday,” they’re like, “What?!”
Contents of a birthday box before being packed for delivery.
random act of kindness.
Birthday boxes are stored at Happy Birthdays, waiting for delivery.
And if they want to do something different, just email us. I’ve booked high school kids and people through Dell to come and work on site. We’re having a ladies fundraising night on May 11, and we do our big birthday party in November.
AF: How do you coordinate
the need for birthdays with the volunteers?
Gladden: Organizations send
me their birthdays every month. I post them on the calendar, and then a volunteer goes on our website and sends me an email to take care of that child, and I give them more specific directions. Then they make the box and deliver it to the place themselves. You don’t meet the child.
AF: Growing something like this
takes a lot of skill. Did you have that already?
Gladden: I was a stay-at-home
mom for 10 years. Before that, I worked for a university doing event planning, recruiting and some fundraising. Now, I realize that I’m doing all the same things. But I wasn’t thinking about it at the time. And I know some good people.
for us, and I asked if they would accept boxes. They’re open all the time. Little Helping Hands is a volunteer organization in Austin. Their mission is to give children a service opportunity. They have regular office hours, and they also take boxes.
AF: Do you find out how the parties went?
Gladden: Since we don’t see
the party or go to the party, it’s like a random act of kindness. I think it’s hard for the kid volunteers, because they know what a birthday party means, but it’s also a good lesson: you’re a random stranger. It’s a special moment for the birthday child. It’s not about you. But we’ve gotten some tearjerkers. Great stories. There’s a nice story from a single dad who had a little girl and he didn’t have any money for the rest of the week, and it was her birthday. They brought him this box and he started tearing up. af Contact: sharinghappybirthdays.org
When all this started, it was mostly my friends. They would make a box and drop it off at my house—that was fine. But then it became friends of friends, and then it became complete strangers. So the police station made a few boxes
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The Combo Birthday:
4 Party Themes for Both Boys and Girls B Y PA M M O L N A R
My youngest two children—a girl and a boy— have birthdays three weeks apart. For my convenience and sanity, I often combined their parties. Whether you’re in the same situation or just want guests of both genders to have a great time, here are a few party themes that keep the fun flowing for everyone.
Making Waves Perky pirates and miniature mer-people join forces to take the sea by storm. Welcome costumed guests or outfit participants upon arrival.
Games 1. Sink the Ship – Cut a pool noodle into slices to form circular “boats” and add a paper sail using wooden skewers. Guests
Medieval Times
try to overturn the ships by lobbing rubber balls that serve
Young royals and wee warriors get outfitted for the court and
as cannon balls.
release a bit of energy. Ask your guests to arrive in costume or
2. Mermaid Race – Each player places both feet and legs
provide dress-up items to don when they arrive.
in the single leg of a pair of hose or tights and race on
Games
their bellies or backs as mer-people to reach a designated
1. Cross the Moat – Children ride pool noodle “horses” over a
island.
“bridge” made of 2 X 4s over a “moat” of blue cloth on the ground. See who can stay balanced and cross without stepping off.
with clues. Set up the hunt in the party space or get the
2. Find Cinderella’s Shoe – Ask half the kids to take off their shoes and drop one of their shoes in a bin. The shoeless ones sit on chairs while the others grab a shoe and see who it belongs to. 3. Cup Stacking Castle – Working in teams or as individuals, kids
3. Treasure Map – Guests find the treasure by following a map neighbors involved in a scavenger hunt.
Craft Use empty Gatorade bottles to create I-Spy containers. Add in a few small toys and fill to about half-way with sand.
build the tallest or sturdiest castle. You can limit the number of cups to use or set other guidelines, such as number of cups at the base.
Craft Let each child choose to decorate a paper crown or a cardboard shield with crayons, markers or stickers.
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Culinary School Junior chefs make and eat their creations. Stage this party in your kitchen or outside on the patio. Guests will enjoy putting on an apron they can take home afterward.
Activities 1. Too Pretty to Eat – Little artists decorate white bread using clean paint brushes and food coloring. When done, toast slices and return to the kids for spreading with almond butter or cream cheese. 2. Play with Your Food – Guests create mosaics or skewers using pieces of colorful veggies like peppers, carrots, celery, cucumbers and olives. The fun is only limited to their imaginations.
Neon Fun Tweens and teens enjoy getting the party glowing in a garage with black lights or outside after sunset. Ask guests to wear clothes they don’t mind getting paint on, and give everyone a plain white t-shirt.
Games 1. Neon Glow Tag – Form teams and give each team
3. Dirt Cups – Kids crush Oreos placed in Ziplock bags, then layer their “dirt” in clear cups, alternating with premade pudding. Don’t forget to add the gummy worms!
Craft Kids create mason jar snacks they can take home using your favorite homemade trail mix or snack mix recipe. Preprint the recipe to send home. AF Pam Molnar is a freelance writer and mother of three.
paintbrushes and neon glow paint. Encourage players to splatter as much paint as they can on the other teams. For safety, supply glow-in-the-dark eyewear. 2. Color Shutdown – This is like Old Maid with glow sticks. Buy several glow sticks and paint the bottom of one of them black. The kids hold sticks in their hands and try to make color matches by picking sticks from other players without getting the “Old Maid” painted bottom. 3. Balloon Volleyball – Cut the end off a glow stick and pour the contents into a latex balloon. Inflate and tie off the balloon, then have the kids try to keep the balloon from hitting the ground.
Craft Guests make glow-in-the-dark play dough or bubbles by adding neon non-toxic paint to your favorite DIY bubbles or play dough recipe.
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BY B E T T Y R I C H A R D S O N
I’m Too Tired for Date Night!
How can my husband and I have a good relationship while raising young children? I’m a stay-athome mom of two who’s too tired from a full day of caregiving to stay awake for a date night. And it’s expensive for us to go out. Is the classic date night the only answer?
3. Share the burdens. Early arguments are usually about division of labor, so reach agreement on who does what and show appreciation when work is done.
You’re smart to realize that a good relationship with your husband is very important. A study at UC Berkeley tracked parents from pregnancy to kindergarten and found that after having a child, many couples’ marital satisfaction declined. This decline negatively affected the kids emotionally and academically. But some marriages stayed strong and happy, and the children benefited.
5. Don’t let emotions rule your life or keep you from talking. Communicate in person and in a communication notebook, if that works for you.
So how can you build a strong partnership? David Code, author of “To Raise Happy Kids Put Your Marriage First,” says don’t make your kids the center of your life, but attend to your partner first sometimes. John Gottman, author of “And Baby Makes Three,” says the secret involves three A’s: affection, appreciation and admiration. Here are my suggestions for you: 1. Touch more. We humans need to touch and be touched.
4. Take time out and rest when the kids nap. Agree as a couple that the break is needed.
6. Don’t compare your spouse to someone else’s spouse or an old love. 7. Find ways to have a good laugh together. 8. Find a way for each of you to have some time alone even if it’s short. 9. Have fun together. Take a walk or have a picnic. Just make a change in the routine. 10. Make reunions terrific so no matter how bad the day was, it’s okay now. 11. Avoid hurting your spouse’s feelings. Men can be as sensitive (or more so) to criticism than women. 12. Develop a hobby together.
All these suggestions could be a lot to think about when you’re tired from keeping two small children safe and cared for. I’m a fan of hiring a mother’s helper for a couple of hours, taking advantage of Mother’s Day Out, joining play groups, taking a parenting class or joining a gym—any activity that provides free or low cost childcare and gives you a break. Taking care of yourself emotionally and physically is important to your relationship. Kids can sense a lack of closeness of their parents and do better when they grow up in an environment where parents show they love each other. When I was growing up, I saw my father kiss my mother every time he left the house, even if it was only for 30 minutes. There is something about having parents who love each other that makes a child feel safe and secure. Having a good relationship that lasts through the years is more about how you treat each other day in and day out. It’s not all about date nights or nice gifts— although the occasional surprise might feel good too. af Betty Richardson, Ph.D., R.N.C., L.P.C., L.M.F.T., is an Austin-based psychotherapist who specializes in dealing with the problems of children, adolescents and parents.
2. Act like a winning team. Remind each other that you are on the same team.
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BY B E T T Y R I C H A R D S O N
¿Cómo podemos mi marido y yo tener una buena relación mientras criamos a niños pequeños? Soy ama de casa y madre de dos pequeños que termina demasiado cansada después de un día entero de niñera para mantenerme despierta para una noche de cita. Y es caro para nosotros salir. ¿Es la clásica noche de cita la única respuesta? Usted es lo suficientemente inteligente para darse cuenta de que una buena relación con su marido es muy importante. Un estudio en la Universidad de California, Berkeley monitoreó a unas parejas de matrimonio, desde el embarazo hasta Kínder y encontró que después de tener un niño, la satisfacción marital en muchas de esas parejas declinó. Esta disminución afectó negativamente a los niños, emocional y académicamente. Pero algunos de esos matrimonios se mantuvieron fuertes y felices, beneficiando así a sus niños. Entonces, ¿cómo puede usted construir una relación fuerte? David Code, autor de “To Raise Happy Kids Put Your Marriage First,” dice que no haga de sus hijos el centro de su vida, pero a veces atienda a su pareja primero. John Gottman, autor de “And Baby Makes Three,” dice que el secreto involucra tres letras “A”: Afecto, Aprecio y Admiración. Aquí están mis sugerencias para usted: 1. Toque más. Los seres humanos necesitamos tocar y ser tocados.
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¡Estoy Demasiado Cansada para una Noche de Cita!
2. Actuar como un equipo ganador. Recuérdense el uno al otro que están en el mismo equipo. 3. Compartan las cargas. Las primeras discusiones suelen ser sobre la división de labores de la casa, por lo que deberían llegar a un acuerdo sobre quién hace qué y mostrar aprecio cuando se hace el trabajo. 4. Tómese un tiempo y descanse cuando los niños duermen. Estén de acuerdo como pareja que el descanso es necesario. 5. No deje que las emociones dominen su vida o le impidan hablar. Comuníquese en persona y en un cuaderno de comunicación, si eso le funciona a usted. 6. No compare a su cónyuge con el cónyuge de otra persona o con un viejo amor. 7. Encuentre maneras de que juntos se rían mucho. 8. Busque maneras para que cada uno pase tiempo a solas, aunque sea por un momento. 9. Diviértanse juntos. Tome un paseo o un día de campo. Sólo haga un cambio en su rutina. 10. Haga sus reuniones fabulosos, así no importa cuán mal el día fue, estará bien ahora. 11. Evite herir los sentimientos de su cónyuge. Los hombres pueden ser tan sensibles (o más) a la crítica que las mujeres.
12. Desarrollen una actividad o interés que puedan realizar juntos. Todas estas sugerencias podrían ser mucho para pensar cuando está cansada de cuidar y mantener seguros a dos niños pequeños. Yo soy fanático en contratar a una persona que ayude a madres por un par de horas, aproveche la salida del Día de las Madres, únase a grupos de juego, tome una clase de crianza o inscribirse a un gimnasio, cualquier actividad que ofrezca cuidado gratuito o de bajo costo y le dé un descanso. Cuidarse a sí mismo emocional y físicamente es importante para su relación de pareja. Los niños pueden sentir la falta de cercanía entre sus padres y ser mejores hijos cuando crecen en un ambiente donde los padres muestran que se aman. Durante mi niñez, vi a mi padre besar a mi madre cada vez que salía de la casa, aunque fuera sólo por 30 minutos. Hay algo inexplicable acerca de tener padres que se aman que hace que un niño se sienta seguro y protegido. Tener una buena relación que dure a través de los años, es más acerca de cómo se tratan el uno al otro día a día. No se enfoca todo sólo en las noches de citas o los regalos agradables, aunque la sorpresa ocasional podría sentirse bien también. af Betty Richardson, Ph.D., R.N.C., L.P.C., L.M.F.T., es una psicoterapeuta establecida en Austin que se especializa en ocuparse de los problemas de niños, adolescentes y padres.
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8
Birthday Traditions to Try This Year
BY KERRIE MCLOUGHLIN
Every year when I was a kid, my parents would let me choose where I wanted to eat dinner out for my birthday. Kids love to feel special, and it can be a challenge to find the time to come up with ways to make a birthday a knockout. Never fear! Below are 8 ideas for birthday traditions to start with your own kids. Pick and choose a few of them each year … and stick with the ones you and your birthday kid love!
1. Rise and shine. I like to wake my kids up on their birthday
with an extra-long snuggle and a story about the day they were born. Adopted and foster children can be told how they were meant to be brought into the family and how special they are.
2. Personal letter. Every year I write a birthday letter to each
of my children listing the great things they did, said and learned in the past year. I save a copy for myself and plan to give each child all their letters when they move out—so they’ll get somewhere between 18 and 30 letters.
3. Birthday slideshow. With just a few clicks you can create a special
slideshow just for your child. You can even add captions and music if you like. Be sure to save it so you and your child can always look back on it. (Grandparents love these too.)
4. Annual photo. I try to take as many pictures as I can on birthdays and even
make sure I’m included in some of them, since I’m the mom and all. I like to see how long I can get away with having the child pose the same way each year.
5. Special meal. One of my kids loves the neighborhood restaurant where they sing “Happy Birthday” and are given a balloon to take home. Another is content heading to the local fast food indoor play area and grabbing bites of food in between trips down the slide. 6. Sweet treat. We like to hit the cupcake restaurant or grab huge, frosted cookies from a local baker and share with our friends and neighbors. You could make your child’s favorite dessert at home: cookies, banana splits or ice cream sundaes are always a good bet. 7. Party. If you get a few gray hairs every time you think of
planning a birthday party, don’t fret. You could pull off a simple party at your place with just a few people, a bash at a park or a celebration where a local party place does all the work.
8. Weekend sleepover (for kids over age 7). Warning: this
one is not for the faint of heart! I suggest a maximum of three friends to stay the night at your house. Order pizza to make life easy, stream a few movies and have the kids set up their sleeping bags as far away from your bedroom as possible. af Kerrie McLoughlin is the proud and kooky mom of five.
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BY M A R GA R E T N I C K L AS
Pointed Debate:
Demystifying the Talk About Growth versus Proficiency With the recent debate over measuring student growth versus proficiency recently making headlines, it seems like a good time to explore how these two concepts relate to the educational experiences of Austin public school students. First, some definitions: student growth refers to how much a student improves, while proficiency refers to whether a student can demonstrate certain knowledge or skills at or above a specified level. Let’s start with the Texas testing regimen, which is largely driven by state and federal requirements. From TABS to TEAMS to TAAS to TAKS and currently STAAR (or the State of Texas Assessment of Academic Readiness), Texas students have been tested under a series of standardized systems since the 1980s. These tests assess proficiency, and to the extent that they are comparable over time, they provide some information about growth. Here’s an example: let’s say that proficiency means earning 70 percent on a math test. The students who
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score 70 percent or higher would be considered proficient, and the rest would not. Students either pass or fail.
known as formative assessments, must be collected as part of the day-to-day activities of teaching.
However, when we look at student growth, we find out how much students have gained. A student who scored 40 percent on a previous test and 65 percent today is showing great progress. On the other hand, a student who scored 90 in the past and earns just 70 today might trigger concern.
Debra Ready, Executive Director of AISD’s Office of Accountability and Assessment, explains it this way: “It’s conversation; it’s observation; it’s students working in groups and whether or not they are collaborating with their peers. It’s infusing vocabulary into their day and then, in turn, hearing them use that vocabulary. It’s that formative, ongoing assessment that is the most important assessment that we have.”
Put simply, proficiency levels are snapshots of ability, while measures of growth help us understand the full continuum of a student’s achievement. STAAR tests measure proficiency— mostly in reading and math, but they also assess writing, science, history and geography in some years. Testing begins in 3rd grade and can extend through 12th. The state establishes scores for each test that are satisfactory (proficient). The STAAR test can be useful in flagging issues and helping students and teachers set targets for future achievement. But it’s important to note that teachers can’t and don’t rely on tests given once a year to tell them what students need. Moreover, these tests don’t communicate how educational goals can be achieved or which types of educational support might be appropriate. That kind of information, derived from what are
STAAR data is also used by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) to promote accountability at the school and district level. But fairly assessing schools based on student performance is tricky. Poverty, lack of extra-curricular resources and support, stress and high absenteeism are just a few of the things that can affect student performance and that neither teachers nor schools can easily change. So it’s no surprise that schools with higher percentages of poor or otherwise disadvantaged students tend to perform less well in TEA’s measures, even when they show high levels of student progress. “Growth is the stronger measure around teacher effectiveness,” Ready says, because it takes a really
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effective teacher to help students with educational deficits and other disadvantages gain ground. As parents, we care about our children’s proficiency and growth in academics, and want to know that our teachers and schools are working to optimize both. Public schools send home confidential reports to tell you how your child is doing on the STAAR, which—in addition to report cards, conferences and other interactions with teachers—should give you a good sense of how your child is doing. If you have concerns, Ready suggests that you talk to your child’s teacher or principal. But remember, too, that every child develops differently. Sometimes more time is all that is needed, she says. af Margaret Nicklas is an Austin-based freelance journalist, writer and mom who covers public affairs, public health and the well-being of children.
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BY B R E N DA S C H O O L F I E L D
Child
What Your Needs to Know About Dogs
Here’s a “safety talk” to have with your child: what to do when interacting with dogs. You’ve probably had many conversations about how to cross the street, how to deal with strangers and other safety concerns. But what are you teaching her about staying safe around dogs— your family’s or someone else’s?
of the top nonfatal injuries to children. Clearly, childhood injury from dog bites is a real risk.
About 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs every year in the US. And according to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), over 359,000 children ages 1 to 14 were bitten by dogs in a single two-year period. In fact, dog bite injury is one
If the dog is unfamiliar, ask the owner for permission before petting. Don’t be surprised if the answer is “no.” Many dogs are not socialized and can become aggressive around strangers. Don’t think that a dog will be friendly because of the breed or how cute it looks.
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How to Prevent a Bite All dogs can bite if provoked, but most dog bites can be prevented. Never let young children play with a dog unsupervised, even the family pet. Remember that just because a dog is part of the family doesn’t mean she won’t bite. Educate your child about how to behave around all dogs, both familiar and unfamiliar.
If the owner gives permission to pet the dog, let the dog see and sniff you first. Then follow these tips: • DON’T disturb a dog who is eating. Many dogs are food aggressive and will bite if you take away his bone or that hot dog you dropped. • DON’T bother a dog who is sleeping or with her puppies. • DON’T pull a dog’s ears, immobilize a dog’s head with both hands or pull a dog’s tail. • DON’T put your face next to a dog’s face and stare at him nose to nose. • DON’T make loud noises, such as screaming or blowing a loud horn, right next to a dog. • DON’T try to “ride” a dog. • DON’T play aggressively with a dog, such as physically rolling around. • DON’T tease a dog.
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• DON’T reach through a fence to pet a dog. • DON’T go after a dog who has had enough and doesn’t want to play anymore. The dog may try to hide or go to his bed to get away. If a Bite Happens Dog bites can be serious. In fact, the AVMA says one in five dog bites require medical attention.
If you do not know for sure that the dog that bit your child is current with the rabies vaccine, get information so that the authorities can find out. Obtain the dog owner’s name, address and phone number. Ask for the dog’s veterinarian contact information for verification of rabies vaccination.
incident if your child did not need emergency care. Most animals that have bitten a person must either be quarantined or observed. All animal bites must be reported to Animal Protection. Owners of the dog involved must provide a current rabies vaccination certificate. af
Reporting in Texas Texas has reporting requirements for animal bites. Call 3-1-1 to report the
Brenda Schoolfield is a freelance medical writer in Austin.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends contacting your pediatrician for any animal bite that breaks the skin. Your child might need a tetanus shot or antibiotics. And the CDC recommends the following care for dog bites. For minor wounds: • Wash the area thoroughly with soap and water. • Apply an antibiotic cream. • C over the wound with a clean bandage. Get medical care if the wound becomes red, painful, warm or swollen; the child gets a fever or if the dog that bit the child starts acting strangely. For deep wounds: • Apply pressure to stop the bleeding. Use a clean, dry cloth if available. • If you can’t stop the bleeding or if the child feels faint or weak, call 9-1-1 right away. • Get medical care right away. Disease Risk Dog bites can cause problems from the spread of germs. The most serious disease is rabies. Rabies is spread by bite from an infected animal. It is almost always fatal if not treated early. Dogs are supposed to have routine rabies vaccinations.
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BY R I C H A R D S I N G L E TO N
Imagining a Driverless Future Austin traffic: it’s dangerous; it’s boring; sometimes it’s even enraging—road rage enraging. Now, what if there was a magical technology that cleared traffic from the road, reduced accidents by 90 percent and eliminated your bumper to bumper commute?
What’s the catch? Unintended consequences, you might say. The trucking jobs will disappear, the collision repair industry will fold and companies like Google and Uber will become more influential than ever.
But it’s better for the environment, right? Well, some argue that your carbon footprint might skyrocket because Sci-fi and alchemy, right? Nope: autonomous cars. more people will enjoy the luxury of a long commute. This could arguably be canceled out by the fact that For me, “autonomous” car lands on my ear better than “driverless” traffic jams become a thing of the past and fuel would or “self-driving” car. Those last two sound a little too headless be sipped and not gulped, but other researchers believe horseman or Stephen King. But here we are on the cusp of 2020 that the 500 percent increase in road capacity created by with the prospect of autonomous cars as a real thing…a real thing! computer precision driving would mean that there would be exponentially more fuel sipping cars gleefully gliding There are five levels of autonomy recognized by the industry. the roadways. Level 1 is familiar to anyone with adaptive cruise control: your car can follow the car in front of you, but it’s not driving itself. Levels Geoff Nesnow, writing for StartupGrind, has a massively 2-4 get you closer to the wizardry of “set it and forget it” level 5 long and entertaining list of changes on the way. His blog autonomy, in which you input the destination and the car takes post, “50 Mind-Blowing Implications of Self-Driving Cars over, completely. (and Trucks)” is simply paradigm shifting stuff.
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It’s going to be a welcomed resource for so many— especially children, the physically impaired and the elderly. But what of the ethics? Who’s responsible for wrecks when cars are driving? When a car must decide between hitting a school bus or a child chasing his puppy into the road, how does the programmer prepare the software for such a decision? And what of terrorism and computer glitches? Is road rage sounding a bit like the good old days? Which brings us back to our old nemesis: road rage. It would just vanish in the age of autonomous autos, right? Well, not so fast. One study suggests that until the fleet of autonomous cars begins to heavily outnumber traditional cars, uncouth drivers will take advantage of autonomous cars and use their predictability against them. Imagine your autonomous car is playing nice and slowing down for a long yellow light. All the while, Mr. Road Rage (who’s been sniffing your bumper for the past 2 miles) whips around you and steams his way through the intersection. Yikes! Road rage takes on a whole new dimension when your car is well-behaved, but the drivers around it aren’t. Many of these unexplored and unanswered questions are going to start becoming clearer in the next few years and decades. It’s the right thing for the planet, and it’s the right thing for the people on the planet, but it won’t come easy. We love our cars, we love our freedom and we love to resist the inevitable. When so many lives can be improved, when so many lives can be saved and when so many opportunities can be embraced, we’re forced to broaden our horizons and find a way forward…even if we’re not the ones in the driver’s seat. af Richard Singleton, MACE, MAMFC, LPC, is the executive director at STARRY in Round Rock.
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2017-2018 EDUC Private Schools Infant - Kindergarten Boys School of Austin, The Opening Fall 2017 Butterfly Academy 207 Chisholm Trail Rd., Round Rock Cathedral School of Saint Mary’s 910 San Jacinto, Austin Challenger School 15101 Avery Ranch Rd., Austin 1521 Joyce Ln., Round Rock 13015 Pond Springs Rd., Austin Headwaters School 6305 Manchaca Rd. Holy Family Catholic School 9400 Neenah Ave., Austin Hyde Park Schools 3901 Speedway, Austin Jardin De Ninos Interlingua 8707 Mountain Crest Dr., Austin 2700 W. Anderson Ln., Austin 107 RR 620, Ste. 300, Lakeway Magnolia School 2903 RR 620 N., Austin Santa Cruz Catholic School 1110 Main St., Buda St. Andrew’s Episcopal School 1112 W. 31st, Austin St. Austin Catholic School 1911 San Antonio St., Austin St. Francis School 300 E. Huntland Dr., Austin St. Gabriel’s Catholic School 2500 Wimberly Ln., Austin St. Helen Catholic School 2700 E. University Ave., Georgetown St. Ignatius, Martyr Catholic School 120 W. Oltorf, Austin St. Louis Catholic School 2114 St. Joseph, Austin St. Mary’s Catholic School 520 Washburn St., Taylor St. Paul Lutheran School 3407 Red River St., Austin St. Theresa’s Catholic School 4311 Small Dr., Austin Wells Branch Leadership Academy 15201 Burnet Rd., Austin
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www.theboysschoolofaustin.org 512-553.2690 www.thebutterflygarden.net www.smcschoolaustin.org 512-476-1480 www.challengerschool.com 512-341-8000 512-255-8844 512-258-1299 www.headwaters.org 512-443-8843 www.holyfamilycs.org 512-246-4455 www.hp-schools.org 512-465-8344 www.austinbilingualschool.com 512-432-5317 512-299-5732 512-466-2409 www.themagnoliaschoolatx.com 512-266-9620 www.sccstx.org 512-312-2137 sasaustin.org 512-299-9802 www.staustinschool.org 512-477-3751 www.stfrancis-school.org 512-454-0848 www.sgs-austin.org 512-327-7755 www.shclions.org 512-869-3244 www.st-ignatius.org/school 512-442-6547 www.slcsaustin.org 512-614-6622 x245 www.stmarystaylor.org 512-352-2313 www.splaustin.org 512-472-3313 www.st-theresa.org 512-451-7105 www.athlosaustin.org 512-872-8440
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1st - 5th Athlos Leadership Academy 3711 Shoreline Dr., Austin Boys School of Austin, The Cathedral School of Saint Mary’s Challenger School Fine Arts Academy 2110 White Horse Tr., Austin 10526 Parmer Ln., Austin Headwaters School 9607 Brodie Ln. Holy Family Catholic School Hyde Park Schools Jardin De Ninos Interlingua Magnolia School Santa Cruz Catholic School St. Andrew’s Episcopal School St. Austin Catholic School St. Francis School St. Gabriel’s Catholic School St. Helen Catholic School St. Ignatius, Martyr Catholic School St. Louis Catholic School St. Mary’s Catholic School St. Paul Lutheran School St. Theresa’s Catholic School Wells Branch Leadership Academy
6th - 8th
Athlos Leadership Academy Cathedral School of Saint Mary’s Challenger School Fusion Academy 4701 Bee Caves Rd., Austin Headwaters School 801 Rio Grande St. Holy Family Catholic School Hyde Park Schools Fine Arts Academy Magnolia School San Juan Diego Catholic School 800 Herndon Ln., Austin Santa Cruz Catholic School St. Andrew’s Episcopal School St. Austin Catholic School St. Francis School St. Gabriel’s Catholic School St. Helen Catholic School St. Ignatius, Martyr Catholic School St. Louis Catholic School St. Mary’s Catholic School St. Paul Lutheran School St. Theresa’s Catholic School
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www.athlosaustin.org 512-872-8400 see listing in Inf - K see listing in Inf - K see listing in Inf - K www.dancediscovery.com 512-419-7611 512-658-2996 www.headwaters.org 512-804-2708 see listing in Inf - K see listing in Inf - K see listing in Inf - K see listing in Inf - K see listing in Inf - K see listing in Inf - K see listing in Inf - K see listing in Inf - K see listing in Inf - K see listing in Inf - K see listing in Inf - K see listing in Inf - K see listing in Inf - K see listing in Inf - K see listing in Inf - K see listing in Inf - K see listing in 1st - 5th see listing in Inf - K see listing in Inf - K www.fusionacademy.com 512-330-0188 www.headwaters.org 512-480-8142 see listing in Inf - K see listing in Inf - K see listing in 1st - 5th see listing in Inf - K www.sjdchs.org 512-804-1935 see listing in Inf - K see listing in Inf - K see listing in Inf - K see listing in Inf - K see listing in Inf - K see listing in Inf - K see listing in Inf - K see listing in Inf - K see listing in Inf - K see listing in Inf - K see listing in Inf - K
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CATION GUIDE 9th - 12th Fine Arts Academy Fusion Academy
see listing in 1st - 5th see listing in 6th - 8th
Headwaters School Hyde Park Schools 11400 N. MoPac Expwy., Austin St. Andrew’s Episcopal School 5901 Southwest Pkwy., Austin St. Dominic Savio Catholic High School 9300 Neenah Ave., Austin
see listing in 6th - 8th www.hp-schools.org 512-465-8333 sasaustin.org 512-299-9702 www.saviochs.org 512-388-8846
Montessori Preschools Kindergarten MULTIPLE LOCATIONS Extend-A-Care For Kids 77 area campuses Stepping Stone School 19 Locations throughout Austin Metro
Resources Jardin De Ninos Interlingua Brain Balance Behavioral Issues 3267 Bee Caves Rd., Suite 118, Austin 512-328-7771 Inquiring Minds Gifted and Talented K - 6th 512-203-4540 3616 Far West Blvd., Austin KidSpa Austin Drop-in child care services 5700 W. Slaughter Ln., Austin 512-301-5772 10526 W. Parmer Ln., Austin 512-828-5772 Mosaics Weighted Blankets Therapy Blanket 12741 Research Blvd. Ste. 402B, Austin 512-567-8943 Seeking Sitters Sitters, at-home study help, house and pet sitting North Austin 512-474-1171 Wanna Play Drop-in child care services 4500 E. Palm Valley Blvd., Round Rock 512-341-PLAY 14010 N. Hwy 183, Austin 512-258-PLAY
College Credit Austin Community College Locations in Austin Metro Area
www.austincc.edu/startnow Earn College Credit in High School
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www.eackids.org 512-472-9402 www.steppingstoneschool.com 512-459-0258
CENTRAL see listing in Inf - K
NORTH Country Home Learning Center 1310 US Hwy 183 North, Austin Kiddie Academy of Cedar Park 1602 Medical Pkwy., Cedar Park
www.countryhomelearningcenter.com 512-331-1442 www.kiddieacademy.com/austin 512-920-3028 512-270-9988
SOUTH
Country Home Learning Center www.countryhomelearningcenter.com 6900 Escarpment Blvd., Austin 512-288-6220 Jardin De Ninos Interlingua see listing in Inf - K St. John's Lutheran Child Care Center stjohnschildcareaustin.com 409 W. Ben White Blvd., Austin 512-444-4026
WEST
Jardin De Ninos Interlingua Magnolia School Spicewood Country School 6102 Spicewood Springs Rd., Austin
see listing in Inf - K see listing in Inf - K www.spicewoodcountry.com 512-346-2992
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2017 SUMMER CAMP GUIDE SPONSORED BY:
YMCA of Greater Williamson County
austinymca.org
ymcagwc.org Customize your Camp Guide search at austinfamily.com
DAY CAMPS page 30 OVERNIGHT CAMPS page 45 SPECIAL NEEDS CAMPS page 46
day camps
Abrakadoodle Summer Camp Leander, Round Rock, Georgetown 512-337-7017 www.abrakadoodle.com/tx-austin Ages 3 - 12 Art camps are fun-filled, action-packed events. Camp themes include bugs, pirates, super heroes, princesses, circus and zoo animals plus many, many more. American Robotics Austin metro area 512-844-2724 www.roboticsacademy.com Ages 6 – 17 Learn to design, build and test remotecontrolled miniature robots. We use simple, motorized machines – all made from LEGO bricks – to demonstrate mechanical movements and other effects. Art Camp: Cordovan Art School Round Rock, Cedar Park, Georgetown 512-275-4040 www.cordovanartschool.com Ages 5 - 16 Unleash your inner artist this summer with camps like: Talk with the Animals, Yay Clay!, Moana’s Hawaiian Art Camp and more... Asian American Resource Center (AARC) Summer Camps 8401 Cameron Rd, Austin 512-974-1700
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YMCA of Austin
www.austintexas.gov/aarc Ages 5 - 16 Cultural adventure starts here! Dive in with engaging camps exploring a range of themes including leadership, cultural awareness, expressive art, introductory coding and environmental responsibility. Austin Film Festival 512-478-4795 www.austinfilmfestival.com Ages 9 - 18 Rocking workshops that promise to teach, inspire and help kids and young adults create their own fabulous funny, thought-provoking, heart-breaking, awardwinning (you never know!) short films. Austin Girls Choir 512-453-0884 www.girlschoir.com Ages 8 – 16 Austin Girls Choir camps include instruction on vocal skills, note reading, basic harmony and fun songs, with simple choreography. Austin Nature and Science Center 2389 Stratford Dr., Austin 512-974-3880 www.austintexas.gov/ansc Ages 4 – 13 Programs for children in an environmentally education-based curriculum. From nature studying, hiking and crafts to caving and stone tool making in older classes.
Badgerdog Creative Writing Summer Camp Several locations throughout Austin 512-542-0076 www.austinlibrary.org Ages 3rd – 12th grade Led by professional writers, campers discover and practice the arts of poetry and storytelling in a low-pressure, fun environment and become published authors. Band Aid School of Music Guitar Legends 2309 Thornton Rd., Austin 512-730-0592 www.bandaidschoolofmusic. com/sign-up-now/ Campers will learn riffs, licks and solos from players like Robert Johnson, Chuck Berry, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Jimi Hendrix, Slash, Prince, Jennifer Batten, Eddie Van Halen, Jack White, Orianthi and more. Bits, Bytes & Bots Computer Adventures Various Austin-Area locations 512-415-4120 www.austintx.bitsbytesbots.com Ages 6 – 14 Offering fun and educational week-long, half-day technology camps in game creation, movie-making, robotics, Scratch programming, Kodu Game Lab programming and Minecraft®. Low student to instructor ratio.
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Brandy Perryman Shooting Camp Locations throughout Austin area 512-799-8891 www.perrymanshootingcamp.com Ages 7 – 16 BPSC is a 4-day shooting intense basketball camp mirrored after all the camps Perryman attended and enjoyed as a kid.
Bricks 4 Kidz ATX Multiple greater Austin locations 512-270-9003 www.bricks4kidz.com/atx Ages 5 – 13 Build LEGO models that move! Our themed enrichment camps feature motorized building, crafts, games and creative building time. Campers take home LEGO mini-figures or accessory packs. Camp Avalanche at Chaparral Ice Center 2525 W. Anderson Ln. #400, Austin 512-252-8500 x 160 www.chaparralice.com Ages 7 - 14 Our campers fill their days swimming, going to the park, going on field trips, doing arts and crafts and—of course—ice skating!
Camp De Champs at Chaparral Ice Center 2525 W. Anderson Ln. #400, Austin 512-252-8500 x 160 www.chaparralice.com Ages 6 - 13 Camp De Champs offers 11 weeks of figure skating and hockey skating instruction. Kids receive two lessons daily, as well as public skating time, off-ice training, goal setting, arts and crafts and a new, optional performance recital on Thursday evening of each week. Camp Doublecreek 800 Doublecreek Dr., Round Rock 512-255-3661 www.campdoublecreek.com Ages 4 – 14 Camp Doublecreek is Austin/Round Rock’s Best Day Camp for 45+ years. It is an activity-based camp with free transportation from 12 different locations Central Texas Writing Camp San Marcos and Austin 512-245-3680 www.hr.txstate.edu/worklife/familyfriendly Ages 6 – 18 Your camper will explore various writing styles, be inspired to explore new writing styles.
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2017 SUMMER CAMP GUIDE Challenger School Avery Ranch, Pond Springs and Round Rock 512-341-8000, 512-258-299, 512-255-8844 www.challengerschool.com Ages PreK - 8th grade Our students learn to think for themselves and to value independence. Results are unmatched. ClubZ Cedar Park, Round Rock, Austin locations 512-219-0700 www.zsclubhouse.com Ages 4 – 12 The coolest place to be this summer for field trips, sports and fun. Coding with Kids Multiple locations, see website info-austin@codingwithkids.com www.codingwithkids.com Ages 5 - 16 Game development in Scratch to Minecraft modding, our STEMfocused camps are a fun, creative way to develop real 21st century skills. Imagine. Code. Play!
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Country Home Learning Center 6900 Escarpment Blvd., Austin 512-288-8220 13120 U.S. Hwy. 183 N., Austin 512-331-1441 www.countryhomelearningcenter.com
Ages 5 - 13 Children must have finished grade K to attend our summer camp program and field trips. (All ages, starting at 6 weeks, accepted for our year-round program.) Join us for an incredible summer camp experience, featuring child approved special events, exciting weekly field trips and kids’ choice special interest clubs.
Dance Discovery Central Austin and Avery Ranch 512-419-7611, 512-658-2996 www.dancediscovery.com www.averyranchdance.com Ages 3 - 14 Various themed camps include storytime ballet, jazz, hip hop, gymnastics, musical theatre and drama-set design. Each camp week ends with a great show!
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Digital Media Locations in Austin 866-656-3342 www.digitalmedia.com Ages 6 - 17 Empowering the next generation of tech makers + thinkers. Learn programming, filmmaking, music production, robotics and more. Estancia Art Camp 12703 Hwy 71, Bee Caves 512-580-2999 www.estanciaart.com Ages 4 and up Kids are introduced to plaster sculpture, acrylic painting on canvas and wet clay. Great art experiences. Extend-A-Care for Kids Summer Day Camp Locations in AISD, DVISD and HCISD 512-472-9402 www.eackids.org Ages 3 - 12 Weekly sessions consisting of sports, field trips, swimming, cooking, games and puzzles, reading, arts and crafts and more. Weekly themes are based on children’s literature.
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2017 SUMMER CAMP GUIDE Fantastic Magic Camp Austin metro area 512-850-4677 www.magiccamp.com Ages 5 – 12 Kids discover their unique inner magic through learning magic tricks. Campers are surrounded by people, both young and old, who recognize and embrace that uniqueness. Fun2Learn Code Round Rock and Austin, watch for more 512-900-8380 www.fun2learncode.com Ages 7 and up Half-day and full-day computer programming camps, including Minecraft Mods in Java, Scratch programming, Python, video game design, web development, robotics, circuits and stop motion animation. Fusion Academy Austin 4701 Bee Caves Rd., Austin 512-330-0188 www.fusionsummerclass.com
Grades 6 - 12 Finally, a summer school that won’t take away your summer fun! Catch up, get ahead or try something new. All taught one-to-one: one student to one teacher, always. Girls Empowerment Network-campGEN 901 Trinity St. Austin 512-808-4044 ext. 104 www.genaustin.org Ages 4 - 8th grade campGEN girls participate in fun, interactive workshops during weeklong sessions that are designed to help girls feel more confident as they navigate girlhood. Girls will gain new skills, new friendships and a new sense of self! Girlstart Summer Camp 1400 W. Anderson Ln., Austin 512-916-4775 www.girlstart.org Rising 4th - 8th grades Girlstart summer camp allows girls to explore science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) in a fun, informal environment and equips them with STEM skills they will use for life. Girlstart’s camp provides unique experiences that develop a strong conceptual understanding of STEM subjects and increase participants’ interest in STEM activities and careers. Hands-On Science 6001 W. Parmer Ln., Austin info@thescholarship.rocks 512-333-4684 www.thescholarship.rocks Ages 7 - 12 The Scholar Ship’s hands-on science camps are $275/week, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Includes snacks and drinks. Lunch and before/after care options. Heartsong 2700 W. Anderson Ln., Austin 512-371-9506 www.heartsongmusic.net Ages up to 9 Join us spring and summer for our Music Together classes for children and their caregivers.
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iD Tech Camp St. Edward’s, The University of Texas at Austin, Texas Hillel & more 844-788-1858 www.idtech.com/austin Ages 6 – 18 Code, game and create at the world’s #1 summer technology camp! Learn to code apps, design video games, mod Minecraft, engineer robots, discover cyber security, build websites, print 3D models, and more. Register online. Iron Horse Country Camp Austin 512-917-5733 www.ironhorsecountry.com Ages 8 - 15 Weekly Day & (1)Overnight Camp. Our staff is highly trained for teaching children to ride safely. We supply all motorcycles, gear and training. Beginners to advanced riders welcomed. Jump Gymnastics! 2911 Manchaca Rd., Austin 2117 Anderson Ln., Austin 512-593-6226 www.jump-austin.com
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2017 SUMMER CAMP GUIDE Ages 3 - 10 Voted Austin Family magazine’s Most Fun Camp in 2011, 2014, 2015. Theme-based gymnastics, games, activities, arts and crafts keep kids coming back. KidsActing Summer Camps 16 Locations throughout Austin metro 512-836-5437 www.kidsactingstudio.com Ages 3 - 19 KidsActing’s award-winning camps feature full-scale musical or play productions, Triple Threat Musical, Glee! and Adventures in Acting. Creative Kids for ages 4 - 8 are introduction to the performing arts. Kids Kitchen 1514 Dandridge Dr., Cedar Park 512- 799-8301 www.txkidskitchen.com Ages 4 and up Kids Kitchen camps are designed to spark children’s curiosity and creativity in the kitchen. Weekly themes include math, science and art. Come cook with us! Kids With Pens East and South Austin 323-807-3672
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www.kidswithpens.org Ages 8 - 14 Campers craft stories, poems and plays. This summer we’re offering a new graphic novel class. All campers will be published on the Kids With Pens blog. Kidventure Westlake, Steiner Ranch, Lakeway 512-263-8992 www.kidventure.com Ages 3 - 12 Ignite your child’s passion with games, sports, adventures and getting as wet as possible. Build self-confidence, learn responsibility and instill courage. Latinitas 4926 E. Cesar Chavez St., Austin 512-900-0304 www.laslatinitas.com Girls ages 9 - 14 Cine Chica Camp: July 10 - 14 Fashion Forward Camp: July 17 - 21 Tech Chica Camp: July 24 - 28 Healthy Chica Camp: July 31 - Aug 4 We operate Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Girls will learn valuable media and tech
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2017 SUMMER CAMP GUIDE skills, produce multimedia projects and express themselves in a welcoming environment. Layla y la Ballena Spanish Immersion 8707 Mountain Crest Dr., Austin 2700 W. Anderson Ln., Austin 107 Ranch Rd. 620 S. #200, Lakeway. 512299-5731, 512-299-5732, 512-466-2409 www.austinbilingualschool.com Ages 2 – 11 Children join together to make the story “Leyla y la Ballena” come to life. Every week is dedicated to a theme, which is taught in an enthusiastic, fun-filled environment. Little Medical School 10691 RR 2222, Ste. R189, Austin 512-271-2002 x800 www.littlemedicalschool.com Ages 6 - 10 Little Medical School brings medicine, science, and the importance of health to children in an entertaining, exciting, and fun way. Mad Science Locations throughout Austin metro 512-892-1143
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www.austin.madscience.org Ages 4 - 12 Mad Science camps are filled with exciting, fun, hands-on science activities. Children become junior scientists for the week and experience a variety of science adventures. McKinney Roughs Nature Camp McKinney Roughs Nature Park 512-303-5073 www.lcra.org/naturecamp Ages 5 – 15 Explore the outdoors and learn about wilderness skills and native plants and animals. Older campers enjoy swimming, a challenge course and raft trips. Nitro Swim Cedar Park/Round Rock, Bee Cave 512-259-7999 www.nitroswim.com Ages 6 months and up The indoor Nitro Swim Center offers the highest quality swim lessons, noncompetitive and competitive swimming around. Learn to wakeboard, kneeboard and water-ski in a fun, supportive environment from our experienced and professional staff. No equipment or experience is necessary.
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2017 SUMMER CAMP GUIDE Rio Vista Farm 13013 Fallwell Ln., Del Valle 512-247-2302 www.riovistafarm.net Ages 7 - 16 Austin’s originator of English riding camps. Daily lessons taught by professional trainers, lots of horse time/care, arts and crafts and swimming for hotter afternoons. Friday horse shows for parents to attend. Sherwood Forest Summer Camp 1883 Old Hwy 20, McDade 512-222-6680 www.sherwoodforestsummercamp.com Ages 7 – 15 and Grown-ups Dragons 7-9, Druids 10-12, Knights 13-15, Grown-up Camp: 21+ Campers will be transported back in time to a world of knights, ladies and a simpler way of life. Campers will work with their hands to create useful tools and learn skills that were essential to daily living in the medieval era. No modern entertainment devices will be available.
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Smudge Studios ARTrageous Summer Camp 500 W. 38th St., Austin 512-777-1742 www.smudgestudiosaustin.com Ages 5 - 11 Offering two sessions, each with its own theme, Monday-Friday: 9 a.m. to noon and/ or 1 to 4 p.m. Option to stay all day. Camp starts June 5. Spicewood Country Camp 6102 Spicewood Springs Rd., Austin 512-346-2992 www.spicewoodcountry.com Ages 3½ – 10 Nine shady acres in northwest Austin with animals, music, swimming, crafts, sports and horseback riding. St. Andrew’s Summer Camp 1112 W. 31st St., Austin 512-299-9700 www.sasaustin.org Ages 4 – 18 Camps for artists, athletes, scientists, chess enthusiasts, cooks and more.
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2017 SUMMER CAMP GUIDE Stepping Stone School at the Brainery! 17 locations in the Austin area 512-459-0258 www.steppingstoneschool.com Ages 5 - 13 Join us for our “Pioneers and Explorers” Summer Break Camp. Limited availability. Visit our website for full details. Summer Spark Headwaters Schools, Austin 512-593-5393 www.summerspark.com Ages 1st – 6th grades With packed schedules, powerful media everywhere, and performance pressure on schools, we believe that a fundamental component of a strong foundation is missing in the lives of many children today. Summer Youth Workshop with The Baron’s Men Theatre 7400 Coldwater Canyon Dr., Austin www.thebaronsmen.org Ages 9 - 18 July 10-15, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Students learn stagecraft, experience the world of Shakespeare and perform a show for their families at the amazing Curtain Theater.
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Swim Safe Schools 10700 Anderson Mill Rd., Austin 1401 Town Center Dr., Pflugerville www.safesplash.com/anderson-mill-road 512-879-4300 All ages Beyond giving you peace of mind that your child is safe, swimming lessons give kids the opportunity to feel pride, confidence and develop socially.
TexARTS Summer Camps 2300 Lohman’s Spur #160, Lakeway 512-852-9079 ext 104 www.tex-arts.org Ages 2 - 18 Musical theater, dance and visual arts camps
including a musical theatre intensive, weekly “best of” musicals, mini camps for ages 2 - 4 and visual arts camps. The Magnolia School 2903 RR 620, Lake Travis
Synergy Dance 2314 Bee Cave Rd. #C1, Austin 512-327-4130 www.synergydancestudio.com Ages 2 and up Dance camps include ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop, also included are tumbling, theatre, crafts and a performance on Fridays. Dance intensives for beginner to advanced. TechShop Design & Build Summer Camp 1200 Sundance Pkwy, Ste. 350, Round Rock 512-900-4664 techshop.ws/summercamp.html Ages 8 – 17 Design and build a Kano computer. A project designed for children to learn the basics of computer science.
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2017 SUMMER CAMP GUIDE 512-266-9620 www.themagnoliaschoolatx.com Ages 3 - 11 Full or part time camps, featuring morning academic booster with language arts and handwriting, reading and math. Plus afternoon weekly themed camp activities. 7:30-5:30, Monday through Friday. Tinkering Teachers 5701 Cameron Rd., Austin 512-698-6269 www.tinkerteachers.com Campers enjoy STEAM investigations, hands-on learning, crafts, literacy connections and more. Wanna Play 4500 E. Palm Valley Blvd., Round Rock 14010 N. Hwy 183, Austin 512-345-PLAY and 512-258-PLAY www.wannaplayplaycare.com Ages 6 wks - 12 yrs A place where kids want to be. Kids bring imagination, we bring the fun. Westlake Chinese Academy Language and Arts Camp 1460 Redbud Tr., West Lake Hills
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737-247-1533 www.westlakechineseacademy.org Ages 4 - 18 Learn Chinese in an immersive language environment through arts, games, singing and more. Includes Chinese calligraphy, water coloring, paper cutting, origami and traditional music instruments. YMCA of Austin Summer Day Camp 22 locations throughout Travis, Hays and Bastrop counties 512-236-9622 www.austinymca.org Ages 4 - 14 Safe and enriching summer day camps. Enjoy field trips, swimming, games and more in a character rich environment with the YMCA of Austin. YMCA Williamson County Hutto 512-846-2360, Burnet 512-756-6180, Cedar Park 512-250-9622, Round Rock 512-615-5563 www.ymcagwc.org Outdoor Adventure Camps K - 8th grade, Excursion Camps K - 6th grade, Specialty Camps K - 8th grade, Kinder Camps, 3 years - K
At the Y, we offer a wide array of summer camp options and activities that are designed to make summer fun, exciting, convenient and safe.
OVERNIGHT camps Camp Eagle 6424 Hackberry Rd., Rocksprings 830-683-3219 www.campeagle.org Grades 1st – 12th Our mission is to inspire Christ-like change through outdoor adventure, authentic relationships and Biblical truth. Camp Forest Glen 34 Forest Glen Rd. Huntsville 936-295-7641 www.forestglen.org All ages Through outdoor learning kids learn to respect nature and create team building skills. “Providing an environment where people can encounter God.” Camp Lantern Creek for Girls 4045 N. FM 1486, Montgomery 936-597-8225 www.camplanterncreek.com A unique girls sleep away summer camp
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that was created so girls can create their art, find their voice, try new skills, be cheered on whether they succeed or not, get dirty, push boundaries, love nature and so much more. Kidventure Overnight Safari, Echo, and APEX Hunt, Rocksprings, and Pecos River 512-263-8992 www.kidventure.com Safari for ages 8 – 12, Echo 13 – 16 and APEX 17 – 18. Kidventure provides kids with opportunities to learn important life lessons through adventure, teamwork and just pure fun. Sugar & Spice Ranch Camp Bandera, TX 830-460-8487 www.texashorsecamps.com Ages 5 and up Bonding mothers and daughters through horses. You and your daughter will own horses for a week and do everything together as a team. All-inclusive week-long session and a great way to reconnect with each other. Texas Adventure Camp 325 Mission Valley Rd., New Braunfels
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2017 SUMMER CAMP GUIDE 830-625-9105 www.newktennis.com/ outback-texas-adventure-camp Ages 9 - 16 Don’t think of coming to the “Outback” Adventure Camp unless you are looking for an action packed, exciting week of fun and adventurous challenges. 50-foot swings, canoeing, zipline, rock climbing and more. YMCA Twin Lakes Overnight Camp 204 E. Little Elm Tr., Cedar Park
Grades 3rd - 8th New cabins have bathrooms and A/C. Experienced counselors, nutritious meals and new friends. All the activities you love and a whole lot more!
Special Needs Camps
Inquiring Minds 3901 Shoal Creek Blvd., Austin 512-203-4540 www.inquiringminds-austin.org Ages 4 - 13 A program for gifted students to explore diverse subjects through an integrated, hands-on approach.
Customize your Camp Search Online at
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April
2017 calendar
Compiled by BETTY KEMPER
Museum Exhibits pg 48
•
Family Events pg 48
•
Parenting Events pg 53
++ Denotes event occurs on multiple dates
Museum Exhibits NINA KATCHADOURIAN: CURIOUSER Through June 11. Blanton Museum, 200 E. MLK Blvd. blantonmuseum.org or 512-471-5482. PURCHASED LIVES: THE AMERICAN SLAVE TRADE Through July 9. Bullock Museum, 1800 N. Congress Ave. thestoryoftexas.com or 512-936-8746. STORIES TO TELL: SELECTIONS FROM THE HARRY RANSOM CENTER Through July 16. Harry Ransom Center, 300 W. 21st St. hrc.utexas.edu or 512-471-8944. PRIDE AND JOY: THE TEXAS BLUES OF STEVIE RAY VAUGHAN Through July 23. Bullock Museum, 1800 N. Congress Ave. thestoryoftexas.com or 512-936-8746. FINDING REFUGE IN AUSTIN Through Sep. 10. Austin History Center, 810 Guadalupe St. library.austintexas.gov or 512-974-7480. MERCI, TEXAS Through Dec. 31. Texas Capitol Visitors Center, 1100 Congress Ave. tspb.state.tx.us or 512-463-4630.
Family Events SATURDAY 1 April Fool’s Day
ROUND ROCK MARKET DAYS 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Central Plaza, 301 W. Bagdad, Round Rock. FREE. roundrocktexas.gov or 512-924-2327. MADRONE CANYON HIKE 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Madrone Canyon - Laura’s Library, 9411 Bee Cave Rd. FREE. westbanklibrary.com or 512-327-3045. FAMILY FARM DAYS ++ 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Green Gate Farms, 8310 Canoga Ave. $10 per person. greengatefarms.net or 512-484-2746. ALL ABOARD ++ 9:30 a.m. The Long Center, 701 W. Riverside Dr. $6.50. pollyannatheatrecompany.org.
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SPRING CARNIVAL 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Shepard of the Hills Presbyterian Church, 5226 W. William Cannon Dr. FREE. shepherdofthehills.org or 512-892-7528. ART CITY AUSTIN ++ 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Palmer Events Center, 900 Barton Springs Rd. From $10. artallianceaustin.org. TEXAS VEGFEST 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fiesta Gardens, 2101 Jesse E. Segovia St. FREE. texasvegfest.com. JUNIE B. JONES ESSENTIAL SURVIVAL GUIDE TO SCHOOL 12 p.m. One World Theatre, 7701 Bee Caves Road. $9-$12. oneworldtheatre.org or 888-616-0522. GIANT CHESS ++ 12:30 to 3 p.m. Wooldridge Square Park, 900 Guadalupe St. FREE. giantchess.org.
San Gabriel St. FREE. nchmuseum.org or 512-478-2335. GAME ON! BOARD GAMES ++ 1 to 5:30 p.m. Pflugerville Library, 1008 W. Pfluger St., Pflugerville. FREE. pflugervilletx.gov or 512-990-6375. BLUEGRASS JAM! 2 to 4 p.m. Leander Library, 1011 S. Bagdad, Leander. FREE. leandertx.gov or 512-259-5259. CONTINUING: Art City Austin see Saturday 1; Courthouse Tours see Saturday 1.
TUESDAY 4 ART SMART ++ 6:30 p.m. Willie Mae Kirk Branch Library, 3101 Oak Springs Dr. FREE. library.austintexas.gov or 512-974-9920. CONTINUING: All Aboard see Saturday 1.
WEDNESDAY 5
HERITAGE FESTIVAL 1 to 5 p.m. Milburn Park, 1901 Sun Chase Blvd., Cedar Park. FREE. cedarparktexas.gov or 512-401-5500.
SPROUTS ++ 10 to 11 a.m. Johnson Wildflower Center, 4801 La Crosse Ave. FREE with admission. wildflower.org or 512-232-0100.
COURTHOUSE TOURS ++ 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Williamson Museum, 716 S. Austin Ave., Georgetown. FREE. williamsonmuseum.org or 512-943-1670.
COMMUNITY NIGHT ++ 5 to 8 p.m. The Thinkery, 1830 Simond Ave. By donation. thinkeryaustin.org or 512-469-6218.
SUNDAY 2 FREE SKATE LESSONS ++ 11 to 11:45 a.m. Playland Skate, 8822 McCann Dr. $8.00. playlandskatecenter.com or 512-452-1901.
AUSTIN BARN DANCERS ++ 7:30 to 9:45 p.m. Hancock Rec Center, 811 E. 41st St. FREE. austinbarndancers.org or 512-453-4225. CONTINUING: All Aboard see Saturday 1.
THURSDAY 6
FREE FIRST SUNDAYS 12 to 3 p.m. Bullock Museum, 1800 N. Congress Ave. FREE. thestoryoftexas.com or 512-936-8746.
LIVING HISTORY DAYS 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bullock Museum, 1800 N. Congress Ave. FREE for those pre-registered. thestoryoftexas.com or 512-936-8746.
MIGHTY KITE FLIGHT 12 to 3 p.m. Central Park, 13676 Bee Cave Pkwy., Bee Cave. FREE.
FIRST THURSDAY AUSTIN 5 to 8 p.m. Downtown Austin. FREE. firstthursdayaustin.com.
MUSEUM TOUR 1 to 4 p.m. Heritage House Museum, 901 Old Austin-Hutto Rd., Pflugerville. FREE. pflugervilletx.gov or 512-990-6377.
STARRY NIGHTS 5:30 to 7 p.m. Girlstart, 1400 W. Anderson Ln. FREE. girlstart.org or 512-916-4775.
SUNDAY FUNDAY 1 to 4 p.m. Neill-Cochran House Museum, 2310
ROUND ROCK EXPRESS VS NASHVILLE SOUNDS ++ 7:05 p.m. Dell Diamond, 3400 E. Palm Valley
Austin Family is now making it easier for you to submit your calendar event. Go to www.austinfamily.com, click on “Submit your event” and send in your entry. The deadline is the 5th of each month preceding the month of the event. Events less than $15 usually are listed. For events more than $15, send details to kaye2003@austinfamily.com
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Blvd., Round Rock. roundrockexpress.com or 512-255-2255. MOVIES IN THE PARK: BATMAN RETURNS 8 p.m. Pease Park, 1100 Kingsbury St. FREE. austinparks.org. UNPLUGGED AT THE GROVE ++ 8 p.m. Shady Grove, 1624 Barton Springs Rd. FREE. kgsr.com or 512-474-9991. CONTINUING: All Aboard see Saturday 1.
FRIDAY 7 BLUE BONNET FESTIVAL ++ 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Downtown Burnet. bluebonnetfestival.org or 512-756-4297. LONESTAR ROD AND KUSTOM ROUND UP 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Travis County Expo Center, 7311 Decker Ln. $15. FIRST FRIDAY ON THE SQUARE 6 to 8 p.m. Downtown Georgetown. FREE. visit.georgetown.org. TEEN NIGHT ON THE ROOFTOP 6 to 9 p.m. Contemporary Austin Jones Center, 700 Congress Ave. FREE. thecontemporaryaustin.org. TEEN FLASHLIGHT EASTER EGG HUNT 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Dottie Jordan Rec Center, 2803 Loyola Ln. FREE. austintexas.gov or 512-926-3491. MOVIES IN THE PARK: MOANA 7:45 p.m. Benbrook Ranch Park, 1100 Halsey Dr., Leander. FREE. leandertx.gov.
MOVIES IN THE PARK: BEARS 8 p.m. Elizabeth Milburn Park, 1901 Sun Chase Blvd., Cedar Park. FREE. cedarparktexas.gov.
EGGSTRAVAGANZA 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Dove Springs Rec Center, 5801 Ainez Dr. FREE. austintexas.gov.
STAR PARTY ++ 9 p.m. Texas Museum of Science and Technology, 1220 Toro Grande Dr., Cedar Park. FREE. txmost.org or 512-961-5333. CONTINUING: All Aboard see Saturday 1; Round Rock Express see Thursday 6; Sprouts see Wednesday 5.
HANDS ON HISTORY 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Williamson Museum, 716 S. Austin Ave., Georgetown. FREE. williamsonmuseum.org or 512-943-1670.
SATURDAY 8 YOUTH FISHING DERBY 7 to 11 a.m. Old Settlers Park, 3300 E. Palm Valley Blvd., Round Rock. FREE. roundrocktexas.gov. EGGSTRAVAGANZA 9 a.m. San Gabriel Park, 445 E. Morrow St., Georgetown. FREE. visit.georgetown.org or 512-930-8459. CLEAN SWEEP 2017 9 to 11 a.m. Keep Austin Beautiful, 55 North IH-35. FREE. keepaustinbeautiful.org. GUIDED HIKE 9 to 11 a.m. Bright Leaf Preserve, 2222 and Creek Mountain Rd. brightleaf.org or 512-459-7269. SPECIAL NEEDS EGG HUNT 9 to 11:30 a.m. Play for All Park, 151 N. A.W. Grimes Blvd., Round Rock. FREE with registration. roundrocktexas.gov. MARKET DAYS ON THE SQUARE 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Downtown Georgetown. FREE. thegeorgetownsquare.com.
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GLUTEN-FREE FOOD ALLERGY FEST ++ 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Austin Convention Center, 500 E. Cesar Chavez St. $5 child. glutenfreefoodallergyfest.com. EMPTY BOWL FESTIVAL 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Cedar Ridge High School, 2801 Gattis School Rd., Round Rock. By donation. roundrockarts.org or 512-704-0100. POKEMON CLUB 11 a.m. Kyle Library, 550 Scott St., Kyle. FREE. cityofkyle.com. SECOND SATURDAYS 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Laguna Gloria, 3809 W. 35th St. FREE. thecontemporaryaustin.org or 512-458-8191. SEARCH FOR THE LOST EGGS 12 p.m. Dittmar Rec Center, 1009 W. Dittmar Rd. FREE. austintexas.gov. BEE-TWEENS GAME TIME 2 to 3 p.m. Bee Cave Library, 4000 Galleria Pkwy., Bee Cave. FREE. beecavetexas.com or 512-579-2931. EGGSTRAVAGANZA 2 p.m. Lakeway City Park, 502 Hurst Creek Rd., Lakeway. FREE. lakeway-tx.gov. CONTINUING: All Aboard see Saturday 1; Blue Bonnet Festival see Friday 7; Courthouse Tours
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see Saturday 1; Giant Chess see Saturday 1; Round Rock Express see Thursday 6.
SUNDAY 9
Palm Sunday FAMILY DAYS 12 to 4 p.m. Umlauf Sculpture Garden, 605 Robert E. Lee Rd. FREE. umlaufsculpture.org or 512-445-5582. SPRING EGG-STRAVAGANZA 1 to 3 p.m. Benbrook Ranch Park, 1100 Halsey Rd., Leander, FREE. leandertx.org OPEN HOUSE 2 to 4 p.m. T Bar M Camp, 2549 Hwy. 46W, New Braunfels. FREE. tbarmcamps.org. SPRING EGG-STRAVAGANZA 2 p.m. Milburn Park, 1901 Sun Chase Blvd., Cedar Park. FREE. cedarparktexas.gov or 512-401-5500. CONTINUING: Blue Bonnet Festival see Friday 7; Courthouse Tours see Saturday 1; Free Skate Lessons see Sunday 2; Game On! Board Games see Sunday 2; Gluten-Free Food Allergy Fest see Saturday 8; Round Rock Express see Thursday 6.
MONDAY 10 MINECRAFT CLUB 3 to 5 p.m. Leander Library, 1011 S. Bagdad Rd., Leander. FREE. leandertx.gov or 512-259-5259. ROCKIN’ KIDS ART CLUB 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Round Rock Library, 216 E. Main St., Round Rock. FREE. roundrocktexas.gov or 512-218-5400. CONTINUING: Round Rock Express see Thursday 6.
TUESDAY 11
Passover Begins CONTINUING: Art Smart see Tuesday 4.
WEDNESDAY 12 EGGSTRAVAGANZA 5 to 8 p.m. Gregg-Clarke Park, 1100 W. Center St., Kyle. FREE. cityofkyle.com. CONTINUING: Austin Barn Dancers see Wednesday 5; Community Night see Wednesday 5; Sprouts see Wednesday 5.
THURSDAY 13 LITTLE TEXANS 10 a.m. Bullock Museum, 1800 N. Congress Ave. FREE with admission. thestoryoftexas.com. FLASHLIGHT EASTER EGG HUNT AND MOVIE IN THE PARK 6:30 to 11 p.m. Old Settlers Park, 3300 E. Palm Valley Blvd., Round Rock. $5. roundrocktexas.gov or 512-341-3361. CONTINUING: Unplugged at the Grove see Thursday 6.
FRIDAY 14 Good Friday
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GOOD FRIDAY SKATE! 12 to 11 p.m. Playland Skate, 8822 McCann Dr. $8.00. playlandskatecenter.com or 512-452-1901. CONTINUING: Sprouts see Wednesday 5; Star Party see Friday 7.
SATURDAY 15 EASTER EGG HUNT 9 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Buda Sportsplex, 310 Buda Sportsplex Dr., Buda. FREE. ci.buda.tx.us. FUNKY CHICKEN COOP TOUR 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunshine Community Gardens, 4814 Sunshine Dr. $10 ages 13 and over. austincooptour.org. EASTER EGG HUNT AND CELEBRATION 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Bethany Lutheran Church, 3701 W. Slaughter Ln. FREE. bethanyaustin. com or 512-292-8778. EGGSTRAVAGANZA 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. South Austin Rec Center, 1100 Cumberland Rd. FREE. austintexas.gov or 512-444-6601. CRAWFISH FESTIVAL 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. 122 East St., Hutto. FREE. huttochamber.com. CONTINUING: Courthouse Tours see Saturday 1; Family Farm Days see Saturday 1; Giant Chess see Saturday 1.
SUNDAY 16 - EASTER
CONTINUING: Courthouse Tours see Saturday 1; Elephant and Piggie’s We are in a Play! see Saturday 1; Free Skate Lessons see Sunday 2; Game On! Board Games see Sunday 2.
TUESDAY 18 Passover Ends
ROUND ROCK EXPRESS VS OMAHA STORM CHASERS ++ 7:05 p.m. Dell Diamond, 3400 E. Palm Valley Blvd., Round Rock. roundrockexpress.com or 512-255-2255. CONTINUING: Art Smart see Tuesday 4.
WEDNESDAY 19 THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA
19th - 30th 8 p.m. Bass Concert Hall, 23rd St. & Robert Dedman Dr., texasperformingarts.org
CONTINUING: Austin Barn Dancers see Wednesday 5; Community Night see Wednesday 5; Round Rock Express see Tuesday 18; Sprouts see Wednesday 5.
THURSDAY 20 SCIENCE THURSDAY 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bullock Museum, 1800 N. Congress Ave. FREE. thestoryoftexas.com or 512-936-8746. THIRD THURSDAYS 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Blanton Museum, 200 E. MLK Blvd. FREE. blantonmuseum.org or 512-471-5482.
HOMESCHOOL MEETUP 1 to 2:30 p.m. Leander Library, 1011 S. Bagdad Rd., Leander. FREE. leandertx.gov or 512-259-5259. MOVIES IN THE PARK: FERN GULLY 8:30 p.m. Palm Park, 601 E. 3rd St. FREE. austinparks.org. CONTINUING: Unplugged at the Grove see Thursday 6; Round Rock Express see Tuesday 18.
FRIDAY 21 FOUNDERS DAY FESTIVAL 4 to 10 p.m. Downtown Dripping Springs. FREE. foundersdayfestival.com. MOVIES IN THE PARK: FINDING DORY 8 p.m. Elizabeth Milburn Park, 1901 Sun Chase Blvd., Cedar Park. FREE. cedarparktexas.gov. CONTINUING: Sprouts see Wednesday 5; Star Party see Friday 7; Round Rock Express see Tuesday 18.
SATURDAY 22 Earth Day
PEARLS OF YOUTH ART SHOW All day. Fleming Center, 802 N. Avenue C, Elgin. FREE. elginartsassociation.com. OPEN HOUSE/MUSTER 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Camp Mabry, 2200 W. 35th St. FREE. texasmilitaryforcesmuseum.org. ART FEST 9 a.m. Farmers Market, 2015 Sunset Valley. FREE. sunsetvalley.org or 713-252-6464. UMLAUF KIDS KRAFT 9 to 10:30 a.m. Umlauf Sculpture Garden, 605 Robert E. Lee Rd. $10 members. umlaufsculpture.org. AUSTIN NATURE DAY 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Austin Nature and Science Center, 2389 Stratford Dr. FREE. austintexas.gov or 512-974-3888. BUTTERFLY FESTIVAL 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Emily Ann Theatre and Gardens, 1101 FM 2325, Wimberly. FREE. emilyann.org or 512-847-6969. WALK FOR PKD 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Veterans Memorial Park, 2525 W. New Hope Dr, Cedar Park. FREE. walkforpkd.org or 508-981-3011. GIRLS IN STEM CONFERENCE 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Travis High School, 1211 E. Olforf, Austin. $35 (includes lunch & T-shirt). girlstart.org. SPRING FAIR 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. All Austin Cooperative Nursery School, 2301 Hancock Dr. FREE. allaustincoop.org or 512-454-5315. FOUNDERS DAY FESTIVAL 10:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Downtown Dripping Springs. FREE. foundersdayfestival.com.
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UMLAUF KIDS KRAFT 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Umlauf Sculpture Garden, 605 Robert E. Lee Rd. $10 members. umlaufsculpture.org. EARTH DAY ATX 12 to 7 p.m. Huston-Tillotson University, 900 Chicon St. FREE. earthdayaustin.com or 512-535-0950. SPRING CARNIVAL 12 to 5 p.m. Great Oaks Elementary School, 16455 Great Oaks Dr., Round Rock. $0.50 per ticket. greatoakselementary.org. ROUND ROCK EXPRESS VS IOWA CUBS ++ 7:05 p.m. Dell Diamond, 3400 E. Palm Valley Blvd., Round Rock. roundrockexpress.com or 512-255-2255. MOVIES IN THE PARK: QUEEN OF KATWE 7:45 p.m. Benbrook Ranch Park, 1100 Halsey Dr., Leander. FREE. leandertx.gov. CONTINUING: Courthouse Tours see Saturday 1; Giant Chess see Saturday 1.
SUNDAY 23 FOUNDERS DAY FESTIVAL 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Downtown Dripping Springs. FREE. foundersdayfestival.com. FAERIES, POLLINATORS AND THEIR WILDFLOWERS 1 to 4 p.m. Zilker Botanical Garden, 2222 Barton Springs Rd. FREE with admission. zilkergarden.org. CONTINUING: Courthouse Tours see Saturday 1; Free Skate Lessons see Sunday 2; Game On! Board Games see Sunday 2; Round Rock Express see Saturday 22; Pearls of Youth Art Show see Saturday 22; Open House/Muster see Saturday 22.
MONDAY 24
CONTINUING: Round Rock Express see Saturday 22.
TUESDAY 25
CONTINUING: Art Smart see Tuesday 4; Round Rock Express see Saturday 22.
PIENSA POSITIVO
by Leslie Montoya, life coach and host of Despierta Austin
Hechizos Mentales “No tengo suerte en el amor,” “siempre he sido malhumorado,” “primero pobre, que rico desdichado”... Estas populares frases, muchas veces creadas por uno mismo, o peor aún, implantadas en nuestra mente por alguien más, parecen darnos una identidad, convirtiéndose en hechizos que marcan nuestra vida. Nuestra mente reproduce en acciones lo que cree de sí misma. El antídoto para el hechizo es simplemente dejar de creer. Ya no las menciones, reemplazalas con un pensamiento más constructivo, verás que la fuerza de esa creencia se ira desvaneciendo. ¡Piensa positivo!
Mental Spells “I have no luck in love,” “I have always been grouchy,” “first poor, how unfortunate” ... These popular phrases, often created by oneself, or worse, implanted in our minds by someone else, seem to give us an identity, becoming spells that mark our lives. Our mind puts into action what it believes about itself. The antidote to the spell is simply to stop believing in it. Replace those thoughts with a more constructive thought, and you will see that the force of that old belief is fading. Think positive!
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CONTINUING: Austin Barn
BY RO CIO BAR BOSA
Birthday Parties When my niece in Mexico turned 6 years old, we had a big party. She invited many of her school friends, and in Mexico, when we invite someone to a party we invite the friend’s whole family. My niece chose the movie Brave as the theme for her party. We decorated with Merida and other characters from the movie, including piñatas of Merida, a bear and Merida’s mother. Let me tell you, those piñatas were taller than my niece! Many people host their parties in their patios. They borrow chairs from neighbors and set out drinks and snacks. They also serve a meal. Everyone helps in breaking the piñatas, and the children play games. There is birthday cake with candles. Everyone sings “Las Mañanitas” (“Little Mornings”). The birthday person takes the first bite. Parties usually start at 4 p.m. but there is no end time. Guests stay as long as they like.
Rocio Barbosa, mother of two, lives in Round Rock.
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BY ROC IO BA R B OSA
Fiestas de Cumpleaños Cuando mi sobrina en México cumplió 6 años, tuvimos una gran fiesta. Ella invitó a muchos de sus amigos de la escuela, y en México, cuando invitamos a alguien a una fiesta invitamos a la familia entera del amigo. Mi sobrina eligió la película Brave como tema para su fiesta. Decoramos con Mérida y otros personajes de la película, incluyendo piñatas de Mérida, un oso y la madre de Mérida. ¡Déjame decirte que esas piñatas eran más altas que mi sobrina! Muchas personas acogen sus fiestas en el patio de sus casas. Toman sillas de los vecinos y sirven bebidas y aperitivos. También sirven una cena. Todos ayudam a romper las piñatas, y los niños juegan. Hay pastel de cumpleaños con velas. Todos cantan “Las Mañanitas.” La persona de cumpleaños toma la primera mordida. Generalmente las fiestas empezar a las 4 por la tarde, pero no hay hora de fin. Los huéspedes se quedan todo el tiempo que quieran. Rocio Barbosa, madre de dos, vive en Round Rock.
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Dancers see Wednesday 5; Community Night see Wednesday 5; Sprouts see Wednesday 5.
THURSDAY 27 CULTURE NIGHTS 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. AGE Cafeteria, 3710 Cedar St. FREE. austinpowwow.net. CONTINUING: Unplugged at the Grove see Thursday 6.
FRIDAY 28 Arbor Day
RED POPPY FESTIVAL ++ 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Georgetown. FREE. georgetown.org. JAZZ AND ART ON MAIN 6 to 9 p.m. Cedar Park Rec Center, 1435 Main
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St., Cedar Park. FREE. cedarparktexas.gov. CONTINUING: Sprouts see Wednesday 5; Star Party see Friday 7.
SATURDAY 29 WIENER DOG RACES 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. City Park, Buda. Kids FREE; adults $5. budalions.com. CONTINUING: Courthouse Tours see Saturday 1; Giant Chess see Saturday 1; Red Poppy Festival see Friday 28; Jazz and Art on Main see Friday 28.
SUNDAY 30 SENSORY FRIENDLY HOURS 8 to 10 a.m. Thinkery, 1830 Simond Ave. $5. thinkeryaustin.org or 512-469-6201.
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DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Festival Beach, 2101 Bergman St. FREE. asianamericancc.com. INTERNATIONAL DANCE DAY 1 to 4:30 p.m. Ballet Austin, 501 W. 3rd St. $10. balletaustin.org or 512-501-8704. CONTINUING: Courthouse Tours see Saturday 1; Free Skate Lessons see Sunday 2; Game On! Board Games see Sunday 2; Red Poppy Festival see Friday 28.
Parenting Events Any Baby Can offers free parenting classes in English and Spanish on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Postpartum support group meets on Thursdays. 6207 Sheridan Ave. FREE. anybabycan.org or 512-454-3743. Bridges to Growth offers early childhood parenting classes throughout the month. 805 W. University Ave., Georgetown. georgetownproject.org or 512-864-3008. The City of Austin offers free car seat checks and Safe Baby Academy classes throughout the year at a variety of locations in the Central Texas area. Appointments and reservations are required. For dates and locations, email emspubed@austintexas.gov or call 512-972-SAFE(7233). La Leche League of Central Texas hosts nine regular meetings in addition to play dates and gatherings in Austin, Round Rock, Killeen/Temple, BryanCollege Station and Waco. All breastfeeding mothers, babies and mothers-tobe are welcome to attend. Texaslll.org. YMCA offers a free Childhood Obesity Intervention Program on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays throughout the month. Various locations. austinymca.org or 512-236-9622.
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SMART SCREEN TIME This month we launch the 24-hour KLRU PBS KIDS channel 18.4 and its accompanying website klrupbskids.tv. Several factors motivated this shift away from our longstanding practice of turning off kids’ TV in the evenings: • Most kids’ live TV viewing occurs on weeknights and weekends • Over 2/3 of young people use live TV to view programs • PBS stations reach more US youth ages 2-5 than any other children’s network Taken together, these data show that to fulfill our mission of offering families free, non-commercial, educational programming, we’ve got to meet kids where they are. Moreover, many kids live with different daily routines. Whether they’re sick or their parents work night shifts, they may be wide awake when the rest of us are sleeping. We want to be there for them. In addition, we’ll be tweaking the program schedule, finding useful contrasts with our main channel when PBS KIDS is on and developing technologies that allow kids to jump directly from a program to an online activity that reinforces learning. Though we’re expanding, we remain careful about what we air, ensuring that all programs have solid learning outcomes. We love reading and discovery and want kids to put their learning skills to the test by reading and exploring. And we still recommend that when “screen zombies” invade the house, it’s time to turn screens off! Ben Kramer, PhD, is the vice president of educational services for KLRU-TV, Austin PBS.
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Z
KID ONE Easter Eggs and Snack Bags
Spring has sprung, and this month’s activities are ideal for your little one’s blooming creativity and imagination. This quick and easy Easter egg DIY lets your child show off his or her artistic side while getting a little messy, and these cute and healthy carrot snack bags will add a pop of color to your child’s lunchbox.
Tie Dye Easter Eggs
What You Need Note: Parental supervision during this craft is strongly suggested. • Food coloring in neon or regular colors • Hard-boiled eggs • Cookie sheet • Shaving cream (or Cool Whip) • Drinking straw • Gloves (optional) What You Do 1. Evenly spread a generous amount of shaving cream onto a cookie sheet. 2. Drip different shades of food coloring onto the shaving cream. 3. Using the straw, swirl the colors together to achieve your ideal tie dye pattern. 4. oll an egg in the shaving cream and food coloring mixture and let it sit for 10 minutes. 5. Rinse the egg in clean water for about 15 seconds, and violá! Craft and image courtesy of craftymorning.com.
Carrot Snack Bags
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doctors
Dr. Kimberly Albert, ADC Steiner Ranch Dr. Kimberly Albert received her medical degree from University of California in San Francisco and completed her pediatric residency at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, TX. She is board certified in pediatrics. Dr. Albert joined ADC in 1998 and has been recognized as by Best Doctors, Inc since 2005. See ad on page 56 Dr. Shelby Denman Great Expressions Dental Centers Dr. Denman is a general dentist in Round Rock. A proud member of the American Dental Association, Texas Dental Association and Capital Area Dental Society, Dr. Denman prides himself on providing affordable dental care, without sacrificing quality or convenience. Accepting new patients! See ad on page 17 Dr. Andrew Edmonds Great Expressions Dental Centers Dr. Edmonds is a general dentist in Round Rock. A Western University of Health Sciences graduate, he enjoys restorative family dentistry and putting a smile on his patients’ faces. Outside of dentistry, he enjoys time with family and friends, the outdoors, and traveling. See ad on page 17 Dr. Rachel Montgomery, Lonestar Pediatric Dental Dr. Montgomery graduated from Baylor University in Waco, and followed up by attending the University of Texas Dental School in Houston. Her residency was completed at the Boston University School of Dental Medicine, with a specialty in pediatrics. Rachel can most likely be found spending time with her husband Marty and their precious boys. See ad on page 25
What You Need • Disposable decorating bags (the kind you use to pipe icing) • Cheese crackers (bunny shapes would be adorable!) • Green ribbon • Decorative tags (optional)
Dr. Marty Montgomery, Lonestar Pediatric Dental Dr. Marty Montgomery comes from a family where all the children were drawn to dental careers early in life. A graduate of Baylor University in Waco, Marty attended Tufts Dental School in Boston. He completed his residency at Temple University Hospital in Philadelphia, specializing in pediatrics. See ad on page 25
What You Do 1. Fill each bag halfway with crackers. 2. Thread a tag onto a strip of green ribbon and tie the bag closed. 3. Enjoy!
Dr. Parekh, Austin Family Allergy and Asthma Dr. Parekh is a Board-Certified Allergist/Immunologist, seeing patients of all ages. He also speaks Spanish and Gujarati. “My philosophy of care is one of collaborative dialogue between physician and patient. Because of the genetics of allergies and asthma, I often end up treating the whole family!” See ad on page 53
Activity and image courtesy of cleanandscentsible.com. The YMCA of Austin encourages creative exploration, and we believe that starts by engaging young minds in both fun and educational activities throughout the year. Our summer camps in Austin, Buda and Manor help kids build self-confidence, independence and creativity in a safe, supportive environment. Visit austinymca.org or call 512-322-9622 for more information.
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Dr. Theresa Willis, ADC Steiner Ranch Dr. Willis is a graduate of the University of Texas, received her medical degree from Baylor College of Medicine in Houston and completed her residency at Texas Children’s Hospital. Dr. Willis’ professional interests include developmental pediatrics, fitness and healthy weight in children and teens. She is board certified by the American Board of Pediatrics. See ad on page 56
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BY CA R R I E TAY LO R
3 Things You Shouldn’t Say to a Mom You could say this list applies to humans in general, but we moms have an extra dose (or five) of hormones ruining our emotional stability, so take extra care not to say these three things to us: 1. Comments on our appearance. “You look tired,” says the grocery store cashier. YOU DON’T SAY. Wow. You, sir, are clearly headed for a career in law enforcement, where you can exercise your finely-tuned detective skills. What gave it away: the fact that I was wearing two different shoes or the pair of screaming children in my cart?
my post-partum squishiness. He is wrong. Very wrong. 3. Comments on our appearance. “You look great! You’re only, what, 37?” says the teenager at church. Now, this one cuts the deepest, like a big fat knife to my aging, brittle bones. Having a 16-year-old age me by a decade forces me to confront the hard reality: in the eyes of young people, I’m old. I’m now grouped in with those who wear fanny packs and socks with sandals.
2. Comments on our appearance. “Look how skinny you were!” says my husband. He doesn’t mean to insult me. Apparently, he thinks digging up old honeymoon photos The lesson here is to keep your giant mouth shut before my tummy skin gathered more wrinkles than Betty White’s forehead will “remind if you have anything to say about the external me of the good times” and features of any woman who has ever grown make me forget about a person inside them. That entire process is essentially what happens to the Nazis in “Raiders of the Lost Ark,” except after everything is sucked away from our bodies, we remain to walk the earth fueled only by large amounts of coffee. Next time you see a mom, don’t tell her that she has goldfish crumbs stuck to her butt. Just smile. af Carrie Taylor is a freelance writer and mother of two boys.
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