JUNE 2017
smart parenting • healthy homes
Serving Austin’s Families Since 1992
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Tips for Fathers to Get in the Game Did My Kid Text That? Beyond LOLs and BRBs Dell Children’s Celebrates 10 Years of Emergency Care
INSIDE!
CAMP GUIDE | CALENDAR | FAMILY FUN GUIDE | ARTICULOS EN ESPAÑOL
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JUNE 2017
smart parenting • healthy homes
10
10 Years with Dell Children’s
columns 9 14
Family Connections Item Trackers Turn Lost Keys into Old News Family Matters Is My Daughter Too Young to Be a Mother?
18 Lifelines
The Impending Rise of Whooping Cough
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The Learning Curve Teaching Kids the Power of Financial Literacy
48 Just for Grins
Items I Wish Had Tracking Devices
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TText Translations
Dads Get in the Game
calendar
en español
40 Museum Exhibits 40 Family Events 44 Parenting Events 44 Story Times
16 Asuntos Familiares
Es mi Hija Demasiado Joven para s er Madre?
45 Piensa Positivo
¿Te Cuesta Decir NO?
in every issue 5
Play It Safe Recalls
6 Around Austin 46 Kidzone 47 Focus on Doctors
extras follow us:
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Captain Underpants Read online at: www.austinfamily.com/films
On the Cover
Jacob is ready to make a splash this summer.
tune in:
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by Jack Kyser This month’S review:
24 Family Fun Guide 27 Camp Guide 47 Focus on Doctors
Catch Austin Family live on “Good Day Austin” every Friday morning and “Despierta Austin” the first Friday morning of each month.
FILM REVIEW
Photo by Jordan Ashley Photography. New items each week. Visit our website to register.
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® BY S H E R I DA M O C K
June 2017 Volume 25, No. 3
It’s
hard to believe that summer is here already. Seems I just got used to saying “2017,” and now we’re saying good-bye to another school year. But as they say at graduation ceremonies, “commencement” means “beginning.” So the end of the school year brings the start of summer: a long, lazy parade of dips in the pool, dashes through the sprinkler and tall drafts of lemonade. They say we’re on pace to have the hottest year yet, so be sure to stay cool. And stay safe, too. This month’s Q&A subject is Dr. Eric Higginbotham, chief of pediatric emergency medicine at Dell Children’s Medical Center. His advice for us all is to keep our children safe on the road and in the water. He’s seen too many examples of what can go wrong when parents skip the car seat or fail to stay vigilant around pools and lakes. So be sure you know how to install your car seat, and make certain someone is watching your little swimmers at all times. But be sure to have fun, as well. Summer is a great time to explore Austin’s hidden gems, and our Family Fun Guide offers a great list of best-kept-secret museums you’ll want to visit for family entertainment in all its air-conditioned glory. And the crowning touch is that each of these treasures boasts free admission.
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, Margaret Nicklas, Carolyn Jabs and Derek Polen.
TRANSLATION TEAM Maribel Ruvalcaba, Margo Vogelpohl
GRAPHIC DESIGN Susie Forbes & Kim Crisler
So here’s wishing you a cool, safe and fun summer!
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.
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Austin Family is published monthly by KKKemper Inc. Mailing Address: P.O. Box 7559, Round Rock, Texas 78683-7559
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Play it product recalls
safe
Government Recalls Egg Toys, Child Carriers and Caster Boards Target is recalling about 560,000 egg toys because if the small toy is ingested, it can expand inside a child’s body and cause intestinal obstructions. The recall involves Hatch & Grow Easter Eggs, Easter Grow Toys and Hatch Your Own Dino. Affected units were sold at Target stores nationwide from February 2017 through March 2017 for about $1. Consumers should immediately take the recalled toy away from children and return it to any Target store for a full refund. Osprey is recalling about 82,000 child carriers because a child seated in the carrier can slip through the leg openings, posing a fall hazard to children. The recall involves all models of Poco, Poco Plus and Poco Premium child backpack carriers manufactured between January 2012 and December 2014. Affected units were sold at REI and specialty outdoor stores nationwide and online at Amazon.com between January 2012 and December 2015 for between $200 and $300. Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled carriers and contact Osprey for a free seat pad insert for use along with the existing safety straps to secure the child in the carrier. Razor is recalling about 158,000 caster boards because the rear wheel can stop rotating and lock up while in use, posing a fall hazard. The recall involves Razor RipStik electric motorized caster boards. The boards have two wheels, a hub motor and a lithium ion battery. Affected units were sold at Target, Toys R Us, Walmart and other stores nationwide and online at Amazon.com, Razor.com, Target.com, Toysrus.com, Walmart.com and other websites between February 2016 and April 2017 for about $180. Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled caster boards and contact Razor to receive a free repair kit. The US Consumer Products Safety Commission works to protect the public from unreasonable risks of serious injury or death from more than 15,000 types of consumer products.
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G O 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
Fertility Treatment
The Texas Fertility Center held its annual Baby Reunion in April, just ahead of Infertility Awareness Week. Hundreds of people gathered to celebrate the 31st annual event in recognition of more than 15,000 babies born out of care A child at the Baby Reunion in from the center.
Sixty girls participated in Design Chica, a technology conference hosted by Latinitas. Photo by Abril Hernandez.
Tech Conference In April, nonprofit Latinitas hosted its 10th technology conference for girls age 9 to 18, exposing young bilingual and bicultural Latinas and other girls to design thinking and new technologies. This year’s conference brought professionals in the user experience (UX) design industry and virtual reality production to create their very own website and experience virtual reality. During lunch, girls met with career presenters from tech companies. The conference took place at the Austin Community College Eastview Campus. Latinitas aims to empower Latina youth using media and technology. For more information, visit laslatinitas.com.
Must -Do This Month
Participants enjoyed bounce houses, a petting zoo, games, family portraits and more.
April enjoys the petting zoo. Photo courtesy of The Texas Fertility Center.
Students at Mendez Elementary released butterflies to launch the Wimberley Butterfly Festival. Photo courtesy of Seton Healthcare Family.
Butterfly Festival
Satisfy your sweet tooth. June is National Candy Month.
Hays County students gathered in April at Seton Medical Center Hays for the annual Wimberley Butterfly Festival launch party and butterfly send-off. Students from Santa Cruz Catholic School in Buda and Mendez Elementary in San Marcos raised more than 100 butterflies and set them free in the Seton Hays Healing Garden.
Snap some picks on June 21, Selfie Day.
This year marks the 19th annual Butterfly Festival, started in honor of Emily Ann Rolling, a 16-year-old aspiring actress and costume designer, who died in a 1996 traffic accident.
Hug your bestie on June 8, Best Friends Day.
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“It’s a fun day and very meaningful to us,” says Dr. Thomas Vaughn, fertility specialist and co-founder of Texas Fertility Center. “We, the medical team, are able to reconnect with the patients we developed deep connections with in their journey to parenthood.”
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College Signing CTX College Signing Day brought together over 1,000 graduating seniors from across the region to celebrate their academic achievements on April 28 at Concordia University. Inspired by the NCAA’s National Signing Day, CTX Signing Day reinforces the imperative that excellence in the classroom should be celebrated with as much pomp and circumstance as excellence in athletics. The rally was led by college representatives, alumni and volunteers. On the gymnasium floor, students competed in college-themed games and heard inspirational remarks from community leaders. The event ended with the seniors standing and taking a “pledge” to reach higher as a group and go to college in the fall. Besher Garcia’s piece “Boys Can’t Dance” received the highest award in the Texas PTA Reflections contest. Photo courtesy of Sara Garcia.
Art Contest Two local students received the highest honors awarded during this year’s Texas PTA Reflections contest. The contest, which received more than 1,000 entries for state-wide judging, invites students to submit works in the categories of visual arts, dance choreography, music composition, film production, photography and literature. Besher Garcia, a student at Clayton Elementary in Austin ISD, received an Outstanding Interpretation award for “Boys Can Dance,” a choreography piece. View the piece at bit.ly/2p9GvFW. “This dance is about my story and how I’ve had to overcome the negativity of being a boy dancer,” Garcia says in introducing his piece. Sho Humphries, a student at Cedar Valley Middle School in Round Rock ISD, received an Outstanding Interpretation award for “Making Summer Memories,” a musical composition. Hear the piece at bit.ly/2qw0aoj. Garcia and Humphries joined five other local students whose submissions advanced to the national competition. Students receiving an Overall Award of Excellence at the state level included Gracie Slater, a student at Old Town Elementary in Round Rock ISD, for “Rooted in Love,” a visual arts piece; Drew Wilson, a student at Dripping Springs Middle School in Dripping Springs ISD, for “Choosing My Colors,” a photography piece; James Bartling, a student at Dripping Springs High School in Dripping Springs ISD, for “My Story,” a musical composition; Ishika Pande, a student at Parkside Elementary in Leader ISD, for “Accept Me As I Am,” a choreography piece; and Vishwak Ashokkumar, a student at Sommer Elementary in Round Rock ISD, for “My Goal is Become an Astronaut,” a photography piece. In the national competition, Garcia, Humphries and Ashokkumar were honored with Awards of Excellence. Pick us up at HEB, Whole Foods and Central Market
Organizers say most participants are first-generation college students—the first person in their families to go to college. “We wanted to build a bridge to college across the summer for these students. It is a pretty daunting task to be the first one to go to college in your family,” says Khotan Shahbazi-Harmon, Director of Communications for E3 Alliance. “For our firstgen students, there are often no role models of others who have gone to college and succeeded.”
High school students gathered in April at the CTX College Signing Day to celebrate college attendance next fall. Photo courtesy of E3 Alliance.
Smartphone Use A group of Austinites has formed an organization called Wait Until 8th, urging fellow parents to delay giving children a smartphone until at least 8th grade. “Smartphones are distracting, dangerous and addictive for children yet are widespread in elementary and middle school because of unrealistic social pressure and expectations to have one,” says Brooke Shannon, one of the voices behind Wait Until 8th. At the Wait Until 8th website, parents can find information about research on smartphone use by children and sign on online pledge to delay giving their children smartphones. For more information, visit waituntil8th.org. June 2017
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by the
numbers 1910
First Father’s Day observance
Charter Schools
Source: US Census Bureau
HaThe Texas Charter Schools Association (TCSA) hosted its 2017 Texas Public Charter Schools Rally at the Texas Capitol on April 26. Approximately 2,000 participants from across the state attended the rally, which featured keynote remarks from Governor Greg Abbott and Lt. Governor Dan Patrick.
199,000
Estimated number of stay-at-home dads Source: National Retail Federation
“Every student in the state of Texas deserves the results that we get from charter schools,” Abbott said at the event. “Every parent in this state deserves the choice to put their child into a charter school. We leaders in the state of Texas will work to ensure our students and our parents have the option to send their child to the best charter schools in this state.”
$125
Average spent on Father’s Day gifts
Source: National Retail Federation
Lt. Governor Dan Patrick addresses Rally participants says they seek to raise awareness with legislators the crowd at the Texas Public Charter on the importance of quality public Schools Rally. Photo charter schools and garner support by Sherida Mock.
for key priorities including securing facilities funding for public charter schools.
Summer at the
Bullock Museum
Make It Tuesdays
Alice in Wonderland
Family Fun!
Programs
FREE Films
Hands-on programs for all ages Tuesdays and Thursdays 10am–12pm
Magical adventures begin June 3 Select Saturdays
Sense-sational Thursdays
My Neighbor Totoro and many more! Support for the Bullock Museum’s exhibitions and education programs provided by the Texas State History Museum Foundation.
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BY R I C H A R D S I N G L E TO N
Item Trackers Turn Lost Keys Into Old News Because I refuse to haul around a Schneider-sized keychain, I routinely find myself ¾—always ¾—of the way to my office door before I have my apoplectic “I could have had a V8” moment and realize that my keys are still in the car. Arrgh! It’s genetic. My mom and I both have the I’ll-put-them-where-I’ll-never-forget-themthis-time-and-always-forget-them-anyway disorder. I’ve heard that particular genetic mutation has worked its way into at least 50 percent of the population.
You too? Well, there’s hope for us yet. Electronic tracking devices to the rescue! Philip Michaels is Senior Editor for @tomsguide. He’s written a 15-page review of the best and worst trackers of 2017. If you’re like me, part of the reason that you forget your keys is that you rarely have the patience for plowing through a War and Peace sized review. Join me below for a quick summary of Michaels’ suggestions, but please do look to his article for the details. First, and this is the basic question that you need answered, do they work? The short answer is yes. The longer answer is yes, but like your old college roommate, you’ll need to learn to live with the quirks. The very best tracker Michaels argues that’s the Tile Mate (which I think sounds like something you clean your shower with, but I digress) gets the closest to covering all the bases, but even it has weaknesses that you’ll just have to live with. What are they? You can’t change out the battery. No biggie. It lasts for about a year. And the other: no geofencing. And since you’ve never heard of a geofence until just now, you likely won’t miss it. But if you’d like to be reminded of your absentmindedness before you realize it yourself, you’ll want to explore this active alert option (the Pally Smart Finder does have it).
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Second, the power of the crowd is cool. The Tile Mate has an incredibly interesting feature that uses the power of the people to help you find your lost stuff. Other Tile users’ devices can detect your lost item and let you know about it…wait for it… without them being in on the secret. Well, of course, they have to allow their device to be used like this, but they aren’t given any of your private information about your keys being lost in the corner of their cubicle. How cool is that! Third, user experience varies widely. Be prepared to tinker. We’ve already mentioned that the Tile Mate is the current top sleuth in searching for your lost keys, but other trackers are highly rated as well. Michaels gives praise to TrackR Bravo, Duet by Protag, Chipolo Plus and the Pally Smart Finder. The other contenders rapidly decrease in recommended value. Stay away. They likely would leave you with more frustration than if you actually turned the house upside down looking for your keys in the first place. And even though there are several highly rated options out there, they won’t always work for you. You’ll likely want to buy your top pick from a place that has an easy return option. It might take some trial and error to find a tracker that feels more helpful than annoying. So, there you have it. Your lost keys (or wallet or whatever that tends to hide out on you) might be losing its grip on your Monday morning madness. All the options above are less than $30 and work with iPhone and Android devices. Hope you find what you’re looking for! af Richard Singleton, MACE, MAMFC, LPC, is the executive director at STARRY in Round Rock.
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ER Chief Reflects on 10 Years with Dell Children’s Medical Center BY S H E R I DA M O C K
This month marks 10 years since Dell Children’s Medical Center opened its doors, giving children in the 46-county area of Central Texas a pediatric Level I Trauma Center and a Level IV NICU. Dr. Eric Higginbotham was there from the beginning—in fact, before the doors opened patients were turning up, and Dr. Higginbotham recalls doing his best to treat children in the not-quite-open facility, searching for paper to create charts and tracking down instruments and supplies. Since 2013, Dr. Higginbotham has served as Chief of Pediatric Emergency Medicine. He took time recently to talk with us about the hospital and his time there.
AF: What drew you to this field?
Dr. Eric Higginbotham is the chief of pediatric emergency medicine at Dell Children’s Medical Center, a member of Seton and a part of Ascension, the largest nonprofit health system in the US. Photo courtesy of Seton.
Higginbotham: I started my training at Duke, thinking I was going to do a combination of internal medicine and pediatrics. I like to tell people I graduated both of those programs just in time to realize I didn’t want to have an office practice in either one of them. I struggled with what I was going to do. I had a mentor who had done strictly pediatric emergency care, and I had the opportunity to practice in the emergency department. After two years there, I knew that’s what I wanted to do. What attracts me is how quickly you can affect a positive change in someone. Today I took care of a poor kid who had a cut on the brow from running into something. We had him in and out, the problem completely taken care of in about an hour and 30 minutes. It’s a really good feeling to be able to step in and help.
AF: Describe a typical day for us. Higginbotham: Today was a good day. I was the first guy to get there in the morning, a shift that starts about 6 o’clock. There were some patients left from the night shift. I inherited those patients from the doctor who was going off overnight. About 8 or so it starts to pick up. I saw lacerations, psychiatric emergencies, abdominal pain that ended up being appendicitis, a couple of wrist fractures. It was a good day because there wasn’t major trauma. The area that Dell Children’s covers is
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The medical center includes a Treehouse Gift Shop at Dell Children’s.
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The waiting room includes child-size furniture and access to the Treehouse Gift Shop.
AF: What are some of the challenges ahead?
Higginbotham: The biggest one is the
A triage room features colorful decor.
close to the size of Ohio. We take all the motor vehicle accidents. This is sad, but it sometimes happens: we see gunshot wounds and knife wounds involving kids. We also take all the snake bites— everything that carries with it a pretty significant injury.
AF: Do you ever get to see patients later, outside the hospital?
Higginbotham: I do. I’m always careful not to give too many details because of confidentiality, but there was a case of a young man that had been involved in a pretty bad boating accident, and then about six months later I happened to be at a fundraiser. He’d been invited there and I got a chance to talk to him. It was nice to talk to him with the stress of that injury out of the way and the kid having recovered fully. It was a special moment. I run into people all the time at HEB or Whole Foods or Central Market. It generally takes them a minute to recognize me out of my scrubs, and me to recognize them when they’re not wearing a hospital gown. It’s a continuation of that connection that you make. Almost nobody starts their day saying they’re going to go to the emergency department, especially with their kids. Something really unfortunate happens, and they end up being there.
This “Do you need a booster seat?” poster helps parents figure out the size and type of car seat to use.
AF: What are some of the big
accomplishments you’ve seen at Dell Children’s? Higginbotham: One thing many people don’t understand is that we have every kind of sub-specialist. There’s at least two pediatric emergency doctors here at all times, every day, even Christmas. There’s always a pediatric surgeon, a pediatric intensivist, a pediatric anesthesiologist. We can marshal all of them in a few minutes to make sure that kid gets optimal care. Eye specialists, ear nose and throat specialists, rehabilitation—you name it, we have the pediatric equivalent at our hospital. And we’re expanding our services to Seton Medical Center Hays and Seton Northwest Hospital through care guidelines and links to specialists at Dell Children’s, so we can now impact patients that never come to Dell Children’s. We’re a single hospital, but we’ve educated staff at other sites to provide the best care, improve outcomes and reduce stays.
uncertainty in healthcare—the insurance and what people have to pay. We’re just not sure how this will affect patients. There are a lot of unknowns. And as the city grows, we have a challenge to continue to deliver focused care for kids. And we’re challenged in rolling out the Dell experience to other sites in a high-quality way. To grow these Dell Emergency Care sites and give the same experience as Dell Children’s.
AF: If you could talk to parents before there’s an emergency, what would you advise?
Higginbotham: Every summer, we see pediatric drownings. Pay attention and be at arms’ length. I encourage swimming lessons. And I see a lot of results from auto accidents. The level of injury in kids not properly restrained—it’s worlds of difference. I’m going to keep my kids in car seats until they’re in college. I don’t see a downside to it.
AF: What are you excited to see in the future?
Higginbotham: It’s exciting to have Dell Medical School students rotate through. It’s invigorating to remember what you were like 20 years ago. It’s nice to have someone you can help shape as a physician.
The lobby boasts Carousaball, a constantly moving sculpture by George Rhoads and a gift of Barbara and Carl Paul.
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What Does That Mean?
How to Translate Your Teen’s Texts BY CA RO LY N JA B S
Most parents know that LOL means Laughing Out Loud. You may even know that 420 refers to marijuana. But you may not know that 53X means sex. That worries Brian Bason, CEO at Bark, a new monitoring app. Their website includes a list of popular texting slang terms (tinyurl.com/ gqp9tex). For $9 a month, they promise to alert parents when kids text something risky. Of course, slang is nothing new. Parents have been scrambling to keep up with it for generations. Using freshly minted words that adults won’t understand appeals to kids for two reasons. First, it helps kids establish and reinforce a social identity. People who understand the same secret language are likely to be part of the same tribe. Slang establishes an in group that understands and an out group that seems hopelessly out of touch.
Second, slang allows kids to fly under adult radar, talking about things that might be forbidden if the adults could translate what they were saying. Siblings often develop this kind of secret language—winks and whispers and even special words that let them communicate about things that Mom and Dad might not appreciate. Messaging, of course, has added a new dimension to all of this. Keyboards are tiny. Attention spans are short. Acronyms and emojis make it possible to crowd a lot of information into a small space. As a result, messages have become more and more cryptic and harder for parents to decipher. Much of the new slang being used online is harmless and even creative. Some of the better acronyms enter the language. Pretty much everyone knows about FOMO (Fear of Missing Out),
IRL (In Real Life) and BRB (Be Right Back). Other very useful acronyms include JSYK (Just So You Know), SMH (Shaking My Head), TL;DR (Too Long; Didn’t Read) and YOLO (You Only Live Once). Still, parents need to be alert. Kids can get into trouble with texting, and the kinds of speech that would be unacceptable IRL should also be off limits in text. In particular, parents will want to monitor in these areas: Sex. Most teens seem to have gotten the message that sending nude photos isn’t a good idea. That doesn’t mean teens aren’t texting about 53X. Even emojis may have a double meaning—an eggplant can stand in for male genitals; a peach may refer to someone’s backside. It’s perfectly natural, of course, for young people to take an interest in sex, but parents need to chaperone, watching for behavior that is too adult or partners who may be predatory. Substances. Slang has always been part of drug and alcohol culture. Using coded language is a way to evade legal authorities as well as parents. Keeping up with the current terminology isn’t easy, especially since it often varies from place to place. Talk to other parents and even school counselors who often know the latest lingo. And remember that drug terms sometimes have more than one meaning. Dabbing, for example, is both a dance craze and a way to use cannabis. Lit can mean getting high or simply having a good time.
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Hate. Texting and social media are often used to bully and abuse other people because of their gender, race, ethnic origin or disabilities. Be clear with your child. A slur is a slur, and you won’t tolerate abusive language in any setting. Bad Language. If you don’t want your child to say the F word, you will probably want to discourage the use of acronyms like WTF or AF. Even NSS may not be acceptable. The best way to know what an acronym means is to ask the child who used it. The security company McAfee also produces a list of common terms, conveniently subdivided into categories for drugs, sex and bullying (tinyurl.com/ hpb8qu2). Wiktionary also has a long list of acronyms in an appendix (tinyurl.com/mab7snn). Another way to educate yourself is to visit databases that try to keep up with slang as it’s created. Here are several of the most complete collections: • SlangIt.com is a family friendly website. (They also have free apps for iphone and Android.) When you enter a slang term, you get a clean and accurate definition. They also have a daily quiz question that might be a conversation starter at the dinner table. •N oslang.com has been keeping track of net slang since 2005. They offer a text slang translator and a reverse translator that turns English
phrases into acronyms. In their Articles section, there’s a helpful essay called “What Every Parent Should Know.” • I nternetSlang.com also allows parents to look up acronyms. Their Trending Terms section helps parents zero in on current terminology. • AcronymsAndSlang.com has an enormous list of acronyms, organized into categories. With over 20,000 entries in the Internet category, they are likely to supply an explanation for almost any acronym. • UrbanDictionary.com also has a very complete list of slang of all kinds. The definitions are crowd-sourced, so they are generally irreverent and often obscene. The site is not suitable for children, but may be useful to parents because it’s regularly updated by its users. Of course, trying to keep up with adolescent slang is like playing Whack-a-mole. As soon as a term is widely understood by adults, it loses its value for kids, and they will move on. That’s why parents have to reinforce the idea that kids shouldn’t say anything online that they wouldn’t say IRL (in real life). With that in mind, you might also want to introduce a consciencestimulating acronym of your own—WWGmaS (What Would Grandma Say?). af
Carolyn Jabs, MA, has been writing about families and technology for more than 20 years.
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BY B E T T Y R I C H A R D S O N
Is My Daughter Too Young to Be a Mother?
My 18-year-old daughter is engaged to be married this summer. She’s happy—which makes me happy—and I like my future son-in-law. However, my daughter wants to start a family right away. I think they’re too young and will get stressed out trying to provide for a family. What can you tell me about children of young parents? Do they turn out okay?
A
It’s obvious your desires for your daughter’s future and hers don’t quite match up. She wants to be not only a wife but a mother. Some young women have a dream of motherhood since childhood, and it’s often hard or impossible to get them to put this dream on hold. I wonder how your future son-in law feels about when to have children? He has an important role to play; it’s not your daughter’s decision alone. And more importantly to put it bluntly, it’s not your decision. The more you push your daughter to wait, the more I suspect she will hold firm. As I see it, your role as mother of the bride is to listen. Be supportive in ways that help them succeed in their marriage
and family life—but your support must not be viewed by them as intrusive. You’re better off staying in their good graces, and this is done by not micro-managing their lives or seeming to do so. All parents of young married people micromanage their children to some extent by things like loans or gifts of money for education. For example, if you provided money for college or helped her get scholarships, would she put off having a child without your asking her? You seem to be okay with your daughter being mature enough to marry but question her maturity in being a parent. I’d like to think that some people are able see and meet a child’s needs while others may never be able. Hopefully you have instilled
in your daughter the ability to think beyond what she needs to see her husband’s needs and the needs of future children. In spite of what you do (or don’t do), your daughter will be blessed with a child or she won’t. Many factors are involved. Wanting and getting a child are two different things. You might worry that if she has a child early in the marriage, she and her husband will become too stressed out from providing for a family so early in their careers. Your fears may or may not be realized. But if the young parents do become overwhelmed, I ask you what can you or others in your family do to offer them relief? You ask if children of young parents turn out okay. Yes, the vast majority of them do. Many of us who had young mothers (mine was 19), had a grandparent or an aunt or uncle who played a huge role in helping us grow up and becoming successful in life. My grandmother was loving but strict when it came to rules. I still hear her saying “Don’t be ugly, Betty” whenever I start to say or do something on the verge of being unkind. My grandfather steered me into a career and encouraged me to “get out and do something” in my life. Ask yourself: What can I do to help a future grandchild grow up loved, be trained to have good qualities and be successful in life? Being a grandmother is a very important role. af
Betty Richardson, PhD, RNC, LPC, LMFT, is an Austin-based psychotherapist.
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BY B E T T Y R I C H A R D S O N
¿Es mi Hija Demasiado Joven para ser Madre?
Mi hija de 18 años de edad está comprometida para casarse este verano. Ella es feliz, lo cual me hace a mi feliz, y me cae muy bien mi futuro yerno. Sin embargo, mi hija quiere comenzar una familia enseguida. Creo que son demasiado jóvenes y se van a estresar demasiado tratando de mantener a una familia. ¿Qué puede decirme acerca de los hijos de padres jóvenes? ¿Resultan bien? Es obvio que sus deseos para el futuro de su hija y los de ella no coinciden. Ella quiere ser no sólo una esposa, sino una madre. Algunas mujeres jóvenes tienen el sueño de la maternidad desde la infancia, y a menudo es difícil o imposible conseguir que pospongan ese sueño. Me pregunto ¿cómo se siente su futuro yerno acerca de cuándo quiere tener hijos? Él tiene un papel importante que desempeñar; no es decisión de su hija solamente. Y, lo más importante, para decirlo sin rodeos, no es su decisión. Cuanto más presione a su hija que espere, más sospecho que se mantendrá firme. Como yo lo veo, su papel como madre de la novia es escuchar. Ser solidaria en formas que les ayudará a tener éxito en su matrimonio y la vida familiar, pero su apoyo no debe ser visto por ellos como una
intromisión. Es mejor estar bien con ellos, y esto se logra al no micro-gestionar sus vidas o parece que lo hace. Todos los padres de parejas jóvenes casados, micro-gestionan a sus hijos en cierta medida con cosas como prestamos o donaciones de dinero para su educación. Por ejemplo, si usted le proporciona a su hija dinero para la universidad o le ayuda a obtener becas, ¿usted cree que ella aplazaría el tener un hijo sin que usted se lo pida? Usted parece estar bien con que su hija está lo suficientemente madura para casarse, pero cuestiona su madurez para ser madre. Me gustaría pensar que algunas personas son capaces de ver y satisfacer las necesidades de un niño, mientras que otros nunca podrán. Esperamos que haya inculcado en su hija la capacidad de pensar más allá de lo que ella necesita para ver las necesidades de su marido y
las necesidades de sus futuros hijos. A pesar de lo que usted haga (o no haga), su hija será bendecida con un hijo o a la mejor no. Muchos factores están involucrados. Querer y tener un hijo son dos cosas diferentes. A usted le podría preocupar si ella tiene un hijo al comienzo del matrimonio, ella y su esposo se estresarán demasiado el tener que abastecer a una familia tan temprano en sus carreras. Sus miedos pueden o no ser realizados. Pero si los padres jóvenes se abruman, le pregunto ¿qué puede usted u otros miembros de su familia hacer para ofrecerles ayuda? Usted pregunta si los hijos de padres jóvenes resultan bien. Sí, la gran mayoría de ellos. Muchos de nosotros que tuvimos una madre joven (la mía tenía 19 años), tuvimos un abuela o abuelo, una tía o tío que desempeñaron un papel importante en ayudarnos a crecer y tener éxito en la vida. Mi abuela era cariñosa pero estricta cuando se trataba de reglas. Todavía la escucho decir “No seas fea, Betty” siempre que comenzaba al punto de ser poco amable. Mi abuelo me guió hacia una carrera y me animó a “salir y hacer algo” en mi vida. Pregúntese: ¿Qué puedo hacer para ayudar a un futuro nieto a crecer amado, ser entrenado para tener buenas cualidades y tener éxito en la vida? Ser una abuela es un papel muy importante.af
Betty Richardson, PhD, RNC, LPC, LMFT, es una psicoterapeuta establecida en Austin.
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BY B R E N DA S C H O O L F I E L D
The Impending Rise of Whooping Cough (and How You Can Protect Your Infant)
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hooping cough (also called pertussis) is on the rise. Experts at the Texas Department of Health and Human Services report that pertussis outbreaks typically occur in three-year to five-year cycles. In 2013 about 4,000 cases were reported in Texas— the most cases since 1959. Since 2013 was considered a “peak” year, the next outbreak could be imminent. Babies are particularly vulnerable to transmittable diseases. Because about 90 percent of deaths from pertussis occur in babies, doctors are now recommending “cocoon immunization.” What is Cocoon Immunization? About 80 percent of the time, babies get transmittable diseases from parents, brothers, sisters and close relatives. Vaccinating those who are in frequent and close contact with the baby creates a cocoon of protection around her. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend cocoon immunization.
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What is Whooping Cough? Whooping cough is an infectious disease caused by the bacteria B. pertussis. It is extremely contagious and is spread through the air by tiny droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Doctors diagnose whooping cough when a child has had a cough that won’t go away for 2 weeks or more and has one of the following symptoms: • Coughing fits • A “whooping” sound • Vomiting after a coughing fit
Babies with whooping cough have different signs and symptoms than children. They may gag or gasp. They may have short pauses in their normal breathing pattern (called apnea) and a slow heart rate. How Serious is Whooping Cough in Babies? Whooping cough is very serious in babies. More than half of babies who get whooping cough must be admitted to the hospital for treatment. Many babies develop breathing problems, such as apnea and pneumonia. Sometimes, whooping cough is fatal. How Can I Protect My Baby? In the US, pertussis immunization is provided by the combination vaccine DTaP. This vaccine protects against diphtheria and tetanus as well as pertussis. Because babies can’t be immunized before they are 2 months old, cocoon immunization (vaccinating people who will be in close contact) helps protect babies from this disease. Who Should Be Immunized? The most important person that should be immunized is the mother, ideally during the last 3 months of pregnancy.
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Antibodies from the mother naturally transfer to the baby and provide protection until the baby is old enough to get the vaccine. All children should have a series of five DTaP vaccinations. The first three are given when the baby is 2, 4 and 6 months old. The next dose is given at 15 to 18 months and the final dose before the child starts school at around 4 to 6 years old. Visit the CDC’s website for the Recommended Immunization Schedule for Children and Adolescents.
• Keep the baby away from anyone who is coughing. • Contact your pediatrician right away if your baby starts coughing. The Texas Vaccines for Children Program (TVCP) partners with local physicians to help increase access to immunizations for children. The following groups of children younger than 18 years old may be eligible for free or low cost vaccinations:
• Uninsured or underinsured children • Children who are covered by CHIP • Children who are of Native American or Native Alaskan heritage • Children on Medicaid For more information, visit immunizetexas.org. af Brenda Schoolfield is a freelance medical writer who splits her time between Austin and Seattle.
Protection from the initial DTaP vaccination series fades over time. There is now a Tdap booster available for preteens, teens, and adults. It contains a reduced dose of the diphtheria and pertussis vaccines. How to Create the Cocoon The best time to create the cocoon is while you are still pregnant. Here are some steps you can take, both before and after your baby is born: • Talk to your obstetrician about getting the Tdap vaccine during every pregnancy, even if you have had it before. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends vaccination between 27 to 36 weeks. • Make sure everyone in the household is up to date on their immunizations. This includes the father and all siblings. If the mother isn’t immunized during pregnancy, she should get the vaccine before leaving the hospital or birthing center. • Talk to others who may come in close contact with the new baby about the importance of cocoon immunization as soon as possible. This includes grandparents, aunts, uncles, caregivers, nannies and babysitters. • Send a reminder note or email several weeks before the baby is born to everyone who may come in close contact with the baby. Explain that being up to date with pertussis immunization is mandatory, not optional.
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BY M A R GA R E T N I C K L AS
Money, Honey Teaching Kids the Power of Financial Literacy
There was a time when financial literacy for children was pretty simple. Counting and saving pennies in a piggy bank, which could be raided for an occasional treat, went a long way toward teaching kids what they needed to know about managing money. Today, finances are not nearly so concrete. They’re characterized by highly abstract notions like credit and interest, and by transactions that occur invisibly and magically over the Internet. Teaching your child about the value and management of
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money—especially money they can’t see and touch—is more complex, yet, perhaps more critical than ever before. A 2013 article in Forbes Magazine cited “The 5 Most Important Money Lessons to Teach Your Kids” and provided a jumping off point for the discussion below. On budgeting: Beyond identifying types of money and their associated value, even the youngest children (beginning at age 3) can learn to budget. Provide jars labeled “Save,” “Spend” and “Share” and have your child divide his money among the three. This allows him to think ahead about how to spend and promotes the habit of setting funds aside for future uses (therefore teaching deferred gratification), rather than spending it all right away. When he gets
older, have him use envelopes or bank accounts to divvy up his loot. On choosing: Shopping trips are great times to teach children about making choices. Help your elementary schoolaged child understand that if she spends all her money on a doll, she won’t be able to buy an arts and crafts kit, too. Are there two things she can buy for the same amount she would have spent on one? (This is a great opportunity to sneak in some math and analytical thinking, close cousins to financial literacy.) It’s important to resist the urge to buy additional things your child wants but can’t “afford.” Otherwise, she won’t experience what it feels like to make choices. Savings and interest: Older children can and should begin to tackle concepts that are more mathematically sophisticated. Plug in some figures on the Investment Calculator tool, which can be found at Investment.gov, to see how compound interest and regular contributions “grow” a savings account over time. The exercise may inspire your child to save early and contribute often. Having a specific goal to save toward,
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like a new skateboard, car or college fund, can also be motivating. Credit cards and interest: Navigating the world of credit card and other debt can be more challenging but is also incredibly important. As plastic and electronic devices have largely replaced using coins, bills or checks, spending may not even seem very real to your child. But the impact of accumulating debt that outpaces his ability to pay can quickly become a huge burden. According to one source, the average American household’s credit card debt last year was $5,700, but the nearly 40 percent of households who carried debt monthto-month owed more than $16,000. Ensure your older child understands how credit card companies charge interest and how it compounds when balances are not fully paid each month. A pair of shoes that cost $50 could cost $200 or more by the time the “principal” (or original charge) and accumulated interest is paid.
At the end of the day, it may be most important to remind children that, in small and large matters alike, what may seem like a “need” may actually be a “want,” and that “wants” can be deferred or perhaps satisfied through less expensive alternatives. Once they become adept at knowing the difference, children and teens are in
an infinitely better position to make good financial choices and to have more funds available for what is most important. af Margaret Nicklas is an Austin-based freelance journalist, writer and mom.
Start Early. Start Right. Challenger School offers uniquely fun and academic classes for preschool to eighth grade students. Our students learn to think for themselves and to value independence. The results are unmatched at any price!
Other types of borrowing: At the same time, borrowing to finance certain big-ticket items like higher education or a home may be unavoidable. So, while children should be wary of debt, they must also know how to borrow responsibly. Talk to your child about how interest works on a loan as opposed to the “revolving” debt of a credit card. Look at specific loan scenarios, including total time to pay off the loan, projected monthly payment and how much total interest would be paid over the life of the loan. Armed with information, your child may be more motivated to defer or save up for bigger purchases. When your child does borrow, encourage him to shop around for the best available terms. Studentaid.gov contains a lot of good information about student borrowing and other types of financial assistance.
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2. Get to Know Their Friends Our kids spend up to one third of their childhood surrounded by friends. Know who they’re spending time with—online and offline—so you know who’s a good influence in their lives. When you know who they’re spending time with, you know when to step in to defuse any problematic behaviors or actions before they start.
3. Volunteer to Coach Team coaching can be intimidating and stressful at times, but the benefits include having your child see you lead, knowing you care and getting to spend more of those precious weeks together.
On Deck to MVP 5 Ways for Dads to Get in the Game BY D E R E K P O L E N
T
he game clock counts down from 936: the number of weeks we have from when our children are newborn to when they turn 18. That’s not much time. I recently calculated that I only have 300 more weeks with my oldest until she officially becomes an adult. It reminded me to make a fullcourt press in parenting. Did you know that in a 2013 Pew Research Center study, 46 percent of fathers feel they spend too little time with their children? Sure, we’re going to miss out on things from time to time, but we dads have to make every effort to be involved. We don’t want to look back and wish we’d spent more time with our kids. Our involvement can have a positive impact on our kids academically, emotionally and behaviorally.
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4. Listen Up It’s easy for parents to monopolize the conversation with children, because we think we know more. But sometimes the best thing you can do is just let your child talk. Listen to what is on his mind. Ask questions, make corrections if necessary and get eyeballs to eyeballs with him. If he’s telling a story, show your interest in his creative mind. It’s important for our children to know we’re there to listen when they need to get something off their chest—big or small.
5. Be Adventurous
Here are five ways we can get in the game before it’s too late:
1. Be Engaged Is it just me or are there more time commitments and places we have to be with our kids compared to when we were growing up? Know when and where things are taking place and make every effort to attend them. Engagement applies at home too. If your child wants to play or build something do it then, not later. Our focused attention (for example, in conversations) is another way to be more engaged. When we are fully engaged in their lives, it shows them we care, shows them they can count on us to be there and creates memories.
Going on adventures can be inspiring and a great learning experience, whether it’s a simple visit to a new park or museum or a road trip to explore a new city. The key is, your family is going on a journey of exploration together. And these fun adventures give us exercise, create fun memories and help build confidence within our children. So, where is your next adventure going to be? These are only five ways to be more involved as a dad. It’s worth the investment of your time and attention as you see it strengthen your relationship and shape her character as she grows. Being a dad is one of the most important roles we’ll ever have. We should always look for ways to get in the game. af Derek Polen is a father of two, author and publisher of “Next Level Dad” and “A Money Saving Mindset.”
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Free Museums:
A Best-Kept Secret These little museum gems offer free admission, fun for the kids and—yes!—cool air conditioning to beat the heat. Austin History Center
801 Guadalupe St., Austin library.austintexas.gov/ahc Open Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday noon to 6 p.m. closed Monday Exhibits: Play Ball! Austin and the Great American Pastime; Finding Refuge in Austin, 1848 to 1980
Austin Nature and Science Center
2389 Stratford Dr., Austin austintexas.gov/ansc Open Monday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday noon to 5 p.m. Exhibits: Hands-on nature exhibits
Brush Square Museums:
Susanna Dickinson, O. Henry and Austin Fire 5th St. and Neches St., Austin brushsquaremuseums.org Open Wednesday through Sunday noon to 5 p.m.; closed Monday and Tuesday Exhibits: Period furnishings, Once A-Pun a Time, firefighting equipment and memorabilia
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Capitol Visitors Center 112 E. 11th St., Austin tspb.texas.gov Open Monday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday noon to 5 p.m. Exhibits: Merci, Texas: A Story of Generosity and Gratitude
Discovery Hall at the Meadows Center
201 San Marcos Springs Dr., San Marcos meadowscenter.txstate.edu Open Monday through Sunday 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Exhibits: Live animals and interactive exhibits
George Washington Carver Museum
1165 Angelina St., Austin austintexas.gov/elisabetney Open Monday through Wednesday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Thursday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; closed Sunday Exhibits: Juneteenth, Austin African-American families, artists’ gallery, children’s exhibit on African-American scientists and inventors
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Harry Ransom Center
21st St. and Guadalupe St., Austin hrc.utexas.edu Open Monday through Wednesday and Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Thursday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday noon to 5 p.m. Exhibits: The Gutenberg Bible; The First Photograph; Stories to Tell
Williamson Museum
716 S. Austin Ave., Georgetown williamsonmuseum.org Open Wednesday through Friday noon to 5 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; closed Monday and Tuesday Exhibits: Courthouse tours on Friday and Saturday; Uphill Both Ways: Schools of Williamson County
Sheffield Education Center
2201 Barton Springs Rd., Austin austintexas.gov/splash Open Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday noon to 5 p.m.; closed Monday Exhibits: Interactive Watershed Model; Our Desired Future
Texas Military Forces Museum
2200 W. 35th St., Austin texasmilitaryforcesmuseum.org Open Tuesday through Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; closed Monday Exhibits: Artillery Park and Parade Ground; Great Hall; WWII Pacific Theater; Texas Navy; 19th Century Gallery; 36th Infantry Division Gallery
and more
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Austin Aquarium
Catch Air
Playland Skate Center
13450 N. Hwy 183 http://catchairparty.com/location/austin/ 512-697-8800
8822 McCann Dr. www. Playlandskatecenter.com 512-452-1901
Bob Bullock History Museum
Gaylord Texan Resort
Round Rock Express
Grapevine, TX www.gaylordtexancon/summerfest 817-778-1000
3400 E. Palm Valley Rd., Round Rock www.rrexpress.com 512-255-BALL
Café Monet Paint Your Own Pottery and Mosaic
Jellystone Parks Camp Resort
Schlitterbahn
13530 N. Hwy 183 www.austinaquarium.com 512-222-5586
1800 Congress Ave. www.thestoryoftexas.com 512-936-8746
4477 S. Lamar and 470 W. Guadalupe www.cafemonet.org 512-892-3200 and 512-906-2200
12915 FM 306, Canyon Lake www.jellystonehillcountry.com 830-256-0088
New Braunfels, Galveston, Corpus Christi, South Padre Island, Kansas City www.schlitterbahn.com 830-625-2351
“Bonding Mothers & Daughters Through Horses”
Chaparral Ice Skating Center 2525 W. Anderson Ln. www.chaparralice.com 512-252-8500
Mt. Playmore
13609 N. IH 35 www.mtplaymore.com 512-989-8886
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Sugar & Spice Ranch Family Retreat Bandera www.texashorsecamps.com 830-460-8487
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A weekend for four to Gaylord Resort in Grapevine, plus 4 tickets to Schlitterbahn in New Braunfels, and 4 tickets to a Friday night fireworks game at Round Rock Express!
Sponsored by:
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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 27 OVERNIGHT CAMPS page 38 SPECIAL NEEDS CAMPS page 39
DAY CAMPS 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.
Austin Aquarium Summer Camps
Seahorse Camp, Stingray Camp & Shark Camp 13530 N. Hwy 183, Austin 512-222-5586 www.austinaquarium.com Ages 4 – 7, 8 – 12, 13 – 18, respectively Your child will be diving into fun for summer. Learn about sea animals, hands-on experience, all levels matched with age.
Austin Girls Choir
YMCA of Austin
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.
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.
Ballet Austin
501 W. 3rd St., Austin 512-501-8704 www.balletaustin.org/kidscamps Ages 4-10 Imagination in Motion Camp: A Wildlife Safari. The Broadway Kids Camp: Disney Classics. Dance Discoveries Camp: Favorite Fairies of the Ballet. Dance Discoveries Camp: Peter Pan!
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.
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Bear Creek Stables
13017 Bob Johnson Ln., Manchaca 512-282-0250 www.bearcreekstables.com Ages 7 – 16 Horses are fascinating! A horse camp is one of the best resources for growth, selfconfidence and fun available to a young person.
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.
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.
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2017 SUMMER CAMP GUIDE 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
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and crafts and a new, optional performance recital on Thursday evening of each week.
Camp Doublecreek
800 Doublecreek Dr., Round Rock 512-255-3661 www.campdoublecreek.com Ages 4 – 14 Camp Doublecreek is Austin/Round Rock’s Best Day Camp for 45+ years. It is an activitybased camp with free transportation from 12 different locations.
Camp Quarries
11400 N. Mopac, Austin 512-241-0233 www.quarriesrec.org Ages 6-16 Fun all summer long and each week is themed for an added adventure.
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, 512-258-1299, 512-255-8844 www.challengerschool.com Ages PreK - 8th grade Our students learn to think for themselves and to value independence. Results are unmatched.
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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DroneGenius Camp
Seven area locations 512-945-0742 www.dronegenius.org Ages 8 - 12 Learn STEM and team-building skills through drone exercises.
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.
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-toone: one student to one teacher, always.
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
YOUNG WRITERS CAMP SUMMER 2017 AGES 6-18 TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITY
SPONSORED BY THE CENTRAL TEXAS WRITING PROJECT
Locations in San Marcos and Round Rock Our summer programs will inspire creative thinking and writing. The young writers will explore various writing styles and methods of self-expression. They will meet and write with new friends.
contact Diane Osborne at do11@txstate.edu or 512-245-3680 http://www.hr.txstate.edu/worklife/ familyfriendly/2017summercamps.html Pick us up at HEB, Whole Foods and Central Market
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2017 SUMMER CAMP GUIDE of STEM subjects and increase participants’ interest in STEM activities and careers.
Gymboree Play and Music
4220 S. Lamar, Austin 1335 E. Whitestone Blvd., Cedar Park 9333 Research Blvd., Austin 800-520-7529 www.gymboree.com Ages 2 – 5 Get the best start for your little one.
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.
Iron Horse Motorcycle Camp
Austin 512-917-5733 www.ironhorsecountry.com Ages 8 - 15 Weekly Day & (1)Overnight Camp. Our staff is highly trained for
teaching children to ride safely. We supply all motorcycles, gear and training. Beginners to advanced riders welcomed.
Jump Gymnastics!
2911 Manchaca Rd., Austin 2117 Anderson Ln., Austin 512-593-6226 www.jump-austin.com Ages 3 - 10 Voted Austin Family magazine’s Most Fun Camp in 2011, 2014, 2015. Theme-based gymnastics, games, activities, arts and crafts keep kids coming back.
KidsActing 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 introduced to the performing arts.
THRE SESSIO E AVAIL NS ABLE!
SUMMER WONDERS
SUMMER 2017 An ACE Academy endorsed summer program for gifted children entering Pre-K through 8th grades. “Best Educational Camp” Winner | Austin Family Magazine’s Reader’s Poll | 2015& 2016 “Best Summer Camp” Winner | Austin Chronicle Reader’s Poll | 2009, 2010, 2011, & 2012
REGISTRATION & COURSE DESCRIPTIONS All necessary registration forms and course descriptions can be found online at:
www.SummerWonders.org SUMMER WONDERS IS LOCATED AT: ACE ACADEMY | 3901 SHOAL CREEK BLVD, AUSTIN, TX 78756
WWW. AUST ING IFTED.ORG | 512.206.4070
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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 skills, produce multimedia projects and express themselves in a welcoming environment.
512-299-5731, 512-299-5732, 512-466-2409 www.austinbilingualschool.com Ages 2 – 11 Children join together to make the story “Leyla y la Ballena” come to life. Every week is dedicated to a theme, which is taught in an enthusiastic, fun-filled environment.
Mad Science
Locations throughout Austin metro 512-892-1143 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.
Layla y la Ballena
Spanish Immersion 8707 Mountain Crest Dr., Austin 2700 W. Anderson Ln., Austin 107 Ranch Rd. 620 S. #200, Lakeway.
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2017 SUMMER CAMP GUIDE Nitro Swim
Cedar Park/Round Rock, Bee Cave 512-259-7999 www.nitroswim.com Ages 6 months and up The indoor Nitro Swim Center offers the highest quality swim lessons, non-competitive and competitive swimming around. Learn to wakeboard, kneeboard and water-ski in a fun, supportive environment from our experienced and professional staff. No equipment or experience is necessary.
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.sherwoodforest summercamp.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.
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
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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.
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
Pick us up at HEB, Whole Foods and Central Market
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2017 SUMMER CAMP GUIDE 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.
Sunrise Neighborhood Youth Program 4430 Manchaca Rd. Austin 512-444-3326 Ages: Pre-k - middle school Throughout the summer our campers will be entertained by STEM challenges, team building games, arts and crafts, cooking, swimming, field trips and much more.
Swim Safe Schools
10700 Anderson Mill Rd., Austin 1401 Town Center Dr., Pflugerville 512-879-4300 www.safesplash.com/anderson-mill-road 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.
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.
ENROLL NOW for Summer Day Camp Two English Riding lessons daily by Professional English Riding Instructors Horse Care & Grooming lessons Swimming Arts & Crafts Weekly Camp Horseshow Located 10 miles from Downtown Austin Van Transportation from Westlake Hills Monday - Friday 9a.m. to 4p.m. 30+
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Hunter-Jumper Boarding/ Lessons/ Training/ Showing
View the magazine online at austinfamily.com
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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 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.
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
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2017 SUMMER CAMP GUIDE field trips, swimming, games and more in a character rich environment with the YMCA of Austin.
of Forest Glen Camps, based at The Springs campus in the beautiful Brazos River Valley.
YMCA Williamson County
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.
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 Wilderness Ridge
34 Forest Glen Rd. Huntsville 936-295-7641 www.forestglen.org Camp Wilderness Ridge exists to change the world through the leadership of REAL men. Wilderness Ridge provides servant-leadership focused, wilderness oriented, affordable, Christian overnight summer camps for boys ages 7 to 17. Wilderness Ridge is a ministry
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Kidventure Overnight
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 830-625-9105 www.newktennis.com/outback-texasadventure-camp Ages 9 - 16 Don’t think of coming to the “Outback”
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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.
Special Needs Camps
A Twin Lakes Overnight Camp
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.
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!
Inquiring Minds
Summer Wonders
3901 Shoal Creek Blvd., Austin 512-206-4070 www.austingifted.org Ages PreK – 8th Students to explore diverse subjects in a challenging, creative environment through an integrative, hands-on, non-traditional approach.
Customize your Camp Search Online at
austinfamily.com
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June 2017
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June
2017 calendar
Compiled by BETTY KEMPER
Museum Exhibits pg 40
•
Family Events pg 40
•
Parenting Events pg 44
•
Story Time pg 44
++ 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.
UNPLUGGED AT THE GROVE ++
8 p.m. Shady Grove, 1624 Barton Springs Rd. FREE. kgsr.com or 512-474-9991.
MOVIES IN THE PARK: SISTER ACT 8:45 p.m. Rosewood Park, Austin. FREE. austintexas.gov.
PURCHASED LIVES
FRIDAY 2
STORIES TO TELL
10 to 11 a.m. Wildflower Center, 4801 La Crosse Ave. FREE with admission. wildflower.org or 512-232-0100.
Through July 9. Bullock Museum, 1800 N. Congress Ave. thestoryoftexas.com or 512-936-8746. Through July 16. Harry Ransom Center, 300 W. 21st St. hrc.utexas.edu or 512-471-8944.
STEVIE RAY VAUGHAN/MUSIC FESTIVAL EXPERIENCE Through July 23. Bullock Museum, 1800 N. Congress Ave. thestoryoftexas.com or 512-936-8746.
DEEP IN THE VAULTS OF TEXAS
Through Sept. 6. LBJ Presidential Library, 2313 Red River St. lbjlibrary.org or 512-721-0200.
PLAY BALL!
Through Aug. 13. 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 THURSDAY 1
WOODLAND FAERIE TRAIL ++
FIRST FRIDAY ART WALK
5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Downtown Bastrop. FREE. domorebastrop.com.
FIRST FRIDAY ON THE SQUARE
6 to 8 p.m. Downtown Georgetown. FREE. visit. georgetown.org.
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: Around the World in 80 Days see Thursday 1; Woodland Faerie Trail see Thursday 1.
SATURDAY 3 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. Laura’s Library, 9411 Bee Cave Rd. FREE. westbanklibrary.com or 512-327-3045.
KIDFISH
9 a.m. to noon. South shore of Lake Pflugerville, 18216 Weiss Ln. FREE. pflugervilletx.gov or 512-990-6113.
BUBBLEPALOOZA
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bullock Museum, 1800 N. Congress Ave. FREE for those pre-registered. thestoryoftexas.com or 512-936-8746.
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Texas Memorial Museum, 2400 Trinity St. FREE. tmm.utexas.edu or 512-471-1604.
FIRST THURSDAY AUSTIN
5 to 8 p.m. Downtown Austin. FREE. firstthursdayaustin.com.
AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS ++
8 p.m. Round Rock Amphitheater, 301 W. Bagdad Ave., Round Rock. FREE. penfoldtheatre.org or 512-850-4849.
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10 to 11:15 a.m. Meadows Center, 951 Aquarena Springs Dr., San Marcos. $6. MeadowsWater.org or 512-245-7590.
FIRST SATURDAY
noon. Carver Museum, 1165 Angelina St. FREE. austintexas.gov.
GIANT CHESS ++
SPROUTS ++
7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Zilker Botanical Garden, 2220 Barton Springs Rd. FREE. zilkergarden.org or 5124778672.
LIVING HISTORY DAYS
NATURE PLAY PRE-K DAY
9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Long Center, 701 W. Riverside Dr. FREE. thelongcenter.org.
SCHOOL’S OUT FOR SUMMER RED ARENA ROUND-UP
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dripping Springs Ranch Park, 1042 Event Center Dr., Dripping Springs. FREE. REDarena.org or 310-403-0125.
12:30 to 3 p.m. Wooldridge Square Park, 900 Guadalupe St. FREE. giantchess.org.
COURTHOUSE TOURS ++
1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Williamson Museum, 716 S. Austin Ave., Georgetown. FREE. williamsonmuseum.org or 512-943-1670.
SATURDAY MOVIE: DOCTOR STRANGE
2 p.m. University Hills Branch Library, 4721 Loyola Ln. FREE. library.austintexas.gov or 512-974-9940.
SUMMER FREE FAMILY FILM: MATILDA
2 p.m. Bullock Museum, 1800 N. Congress Ave. FREE. thestoryoftexas.com or 512-936-8746.
STAR PARTY
9 to 11 p.m. Westcave Preserve, 24814 Hamilton Pool Rd. Reservations required. $5 child; $15 adult. westcave.org or 830-825-3442. CONTINUING: Around the World in 80 Days see Thursday 1; Woodland Faerie Trail see Thursday 1.
SUNDAY 4
GUSTAFER YELLOWGOLD’S SHOW
11 a.m. Scottish Rite Theater, 207 W. 18th St. Child $6, adult $10. scottishritetheater.org or 512-472-5436.
FREE SKATE LESSONS ++
11 to 11:45 a.m. Playland Skate Center, 8822 McCann Dr., Austin. $8. playlandskatecenter.com or 512-452-1901.
FREE FIRST SUNDAYS
12 to 3 p.m. Bullock Museum, 1800 N. Congress Ave. FREE. thestoryoftexas.com or 512-936-8746.
BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS
1 to 3 p.m. Anderson Mill Park West Pavilion, 2900 El Salido Pkwy., Cedar Park. FREE.
MUSEUM TOUR
1 to 4 p.m. Heritage House Museum, 901 Old Austin-Hutto Rd., Pflugerville. FREE. pflugervilletx.gov or 512-990-6377.
Submit Your Event
Visit austinfamily.com and click “Submit your event.” The deadline is the 5th of the month preceding the month of the event. If your event charges more than $15, send details to kaye2003@austinfamily.com for approval.
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SUNDAY FUNDAY
1 to 4 p.m. Neill-Cochran House Museum, 2310 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. FREE. pflugervilletx.gov or 512-990-6375.
BLUEGRASS JAM!
2 to 4 p.m. Leander Library, 1011 South Bagdad, Leander. FREE. leandertx.gov/library or 512-259-5259.
CONCERTS IN THE PARK ++
7:30 p.m. The Long Center, 701 W. Riverside Dr. FREE. austinsymphony.org or 512-474-5664. CONTINUING: Woodland Faerie Trail see Thursday 1; Courthouse Tours see Saturday 3.
MONDAY 5 FUN ART ++
10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Windsor Park Branch, 5833 Westminster Dr. FREE. library.austintexas.gov or 512-974-9840. CONTINUING: Woodland Faerie Trail see Thursday 1.
TUESDAY 6
HOMESCHOOL DAY
10 a.m. to noon. Meadows Center, 951 Aquarena Springs Dr., San Marcos. $8. MeadowsWater.org or 512-245-7540.
SEW HAPPY
5 p.m. Manchaca Road Branch Library, 5500 Manchaca Rd. FREE. library.austintexas.gov or
512-974-8700. CONTINUING: Woodland Faerie Trail see Thursday 1.
FRIDAY 9
BLANCO LAVENDER FESTIVAL ++
9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Downtown Blanco. FREE. blancochamber.com or 830-833-5101.
WEDNESDAY 7
FRIDAY MOVIE: JURASSIC WORLD
COMMUNITY NIGHT ++
5 to 8 p.m. The Thinkery, 1830 Simond Ave. By donation. thinkeryaustin.org or 512-469-6218.
BLUES ON THE GREEN
6 p.m. Zilker Park, 2100 Barton Springs Rd. FREE. kgsr.com or 512-832-4000.
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: Woodland Faerie Trail see Thursday 1; Sprouts see Friday 2.
3 p.m. Old Quarry Branch, 7051 Village Center Dr. FREE. library.austintexas.gov or 512-974-8860.
CHISHOLM TRAIL ROUNDUP
5 p.m. to midnight. Chisholm Trail Park, Lockhart. Kids 12 and under FREE. Adults $20 gate fee. chisholmtrailroundup.com.
BRICKS & BLOCKS BONANZA
6 to 9 p.m. Thinkery, 1830 Simond Ave. from $11. thinkeryaustin.org or 512-469-6200.
JUNETEENTH FESTIVAL
7 p.m. to 12 a.m. Elgin Memorial Park, 1127 N. Main St. FREE. elgintx.com or 512-963-2721.
AUDIENCE BY REQUEST!
THURSDAY 8
CHILDREN’S DAY ART PARK ++
9:30 a.m. Symphony Square Amphitheatre, 1101 Red River St. 50 cents per child. austinsymphony.org.
8 p.m. Zilker Hillside Theater, 2201 Barton Springs Rd. FREE. austincivicorchestra.org.
WOODLAND FAERIE TRAIL BY MOONLIGHT
5 to 8 p.m. Downtown Elgin. FREE. elgintx.com or 512-229-3212.
8 to 10 p.m. Zilker Botanical Garden, 2220 Barton Springs Rd. Adults $4. zilkergarden.org or 512-477-8672.
5 p.m. to midnight. Chisholm Trail Park, Lockhart. FREE. chisholmtrailroundup.com. CONTINUING: Around the World in 80 Days see Thursday 1; Unplugged at the Grove see Thursday 1; Woodland Faerie Trail see Thursday 1.
8:30 to 10:30 p.m. Lakeway Swim Center, 3103 Lakeway Blvd. $3. lakeway-tx.gov. CONTINUING: Around the World in 80 Days see Thursday 1; Sip, Shop and Stroll see Thursday 8; Sprouts see Friday 2; Star Party see Friday 2; Woodland Faerie Trail see Thursday 1.
SIP, SHOP AND STROLL ++
CHISHOLM TRAIL ROUNDUP
DIVE-IN MOVIE: MOANA
A noteable musical selection
paddle ball
retro toys juggling supplies
Art Gallery & Espresso Bar
Sizes newborn - youth 7 Over 40 brands from sea to sea!
2438 West Anderson Lane by 512-467-7463 kidoshoe.com
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SATURDAY 10
KIDS OBSTACLE CHALLENGE
8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dripping Springs Ranch Park, 1042 Event Center Dr., Dripping Springs. From $36. kidsobstaclechallenge.com or 630-624-6382.
CHISHOLM TRAIL ROUNDUP
8:30 a.m. to midnight. Chisholm Trail Park, Lockhart. Kids 12 and under FREE. Adults $20 gate fee. chisholmtrailroundup.com.
GUIDED HIKES AT BRIGHT LEAF
9 to 11 a.m. Bright Leaf Preserve, 2222 and Creek Mountain Rd. FREE. brightleaf.org or 512-459-7269.
MARKET DAYS
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Downtown Georgetown. FREE. thegeorgetownsquare.com.
HANDS ON HISTORY
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Williamson Museum, 716 S. Austin Ave., Georgetown. FREE. williamsonmuseum.org or 512-943-1670.
LEARNING EVENT: AROUND THE WORLD 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Lakeshore Learning, 9828 Great Hills Tr. FREE. lakeshorelearning.com or 512-241-2885. 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 with registration. thecontemporaryaustin.org or 512-458-8191.
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SUMMER FREE FAMILY FILM: ALICE IN WONDERLAND
MONDAY 12
ARCADE NIGHT
2 p.m. Manchaca Road Branch Library, 5500 Manchaca Rd. FREE. library.austintexas.gov or 512-974-8700. CONTINUING: Woodland Faerie Trail see Thursday 1; Fun Art see Monday 5.
2 p.m. Bullock Museum, 1800 N. Congress Ave. FREE. thestoryoftexas.com or 512-936-8746. 6 p.m. University Hills Branch Library, 4721 Loyola Ln. FREE. library.austintexas.gov or 512-974-9940.
MISS JUNETEENTH SCHOLARSHIP PAGEANT
7 p.m. Huston-Tillotson University, 900 Chicon St. $5-15. bit.ly/2pBWWyf. CONTINUING: Around the World in 80 Days see Thursday 1; Woodland Faerie Trail see Thursday 1; Courthouse Tours see Saturday 3; Giant Chess see Saturday 3; Juneteenth Festival see Friday 9; Audience by Request! see Friday 9; Blanco Lavender Festival see Friday 9.
SUNDAY 11 FAMILY DAYS
12 to 4 p.m. Umlauf Sculpture Garden, 605 Robert E. Lee Rd. FREE. umlaufsculpture.org.
SUNDAY MARKET BICYCLE CRUISE
1:30 to 4 p.m. Plaza Saltillo, 412 Comal St. FREE. austintexas.gov or 512-974-6797. CONTINUING: Woodland Faerie Trail see Thursday 1; Courthouse Tours see Saturday 3; Concerts in the Park see Sunday 4; Free Skate Lessons see Sunday 4; Game On! Board Games see Sunday 4; Blanco Lavender Festival see Friday 9.
TWEEN STEAM: PAPER CIRCUITS
TUESDAY 13
MOVIES IN THE PARK: MIGHTY DUCKS
9 p.m. Dick Nichols District Park, 8011 Beckett Rd. FREE. austintexas.gov. CONTINUING: Woodland Faerie Trail see Thursday 1.
WEDNESDAY 14
FLAG DAY HURRY UP AND WAIT ++
9:30 and 11 a.m. The Long Center, 701 W. Riverside Drive. $6.50. pollyannatheatrecompany.org or 512-743-7966. CONTINUING: Woodland Faerie Trail see Thursday 1; Sprouts see Friday 2; Austin Barn Dancers see Wednesday 7; Community Night see Wednesday 7.
THURSDAY 15
THIRD THURSDAYS
10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Blanton Museum, 200 E. MLK Blvd. FREE. blantonmuseum.org or 512-471-5482. CONTINUING: Around the World in 80 Days see Thursday 1; Children’s Day Art Park see Thursday 8; Unplugged at the Grove see Thursday 1;
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Woodland Faerie Trail see Thursday 1; Hurry Up and Wait see Wednesday 14.
JUNETEENTH RHYTHM AND RIBS FESTIVAL
MONDAY 19
MOVIE: CAPTAIN AMERICA: CIVIL WAR
2 p.m. Spicewood Springs Branch Library, 8637 Spicewood Springs Rd. FREE. library.austintexas.gov or 512-974-8840.
TECH TIME
2 to 11:30 p.m. Old Settlers Park, 3300 E. Palm Valley Blvd., Round Rock. FREE. roundrocktexas.gov or 512-218-5400.
ADULT SOAPBOX DERBY ++
2 p.m. University Hills Branch Library, 4721 Loyola Ln. FREE. library.austintexas.gov or 512-974-9940.
FRIDAY 16 3:30 p.m. North Village Branch Library, 2505 Steck Ave. FREE. library.austintexas.gov or 512-974-9960. 6 to 11 p.m. 3rd and Main Sts., Marble Falls. FREE. marblefalls.org or 830-693-3615.
JUNETEENTH RHYTHM AND RIBS FESTIVAL
7:30 to 11:30 p.m. Old Settlers Park, 3300 E. Palm Valley Blvd., Round Rock. FREE. roundrocktexas.gov or 512-218-5400.
MUSIC IN THE PARK
7:30 p.m. Pfluger Park, 515 City Park Rd., Pflugerville. FREE. pflugervilletx.gov or 512-990-6101.
MOVIES IN THE PARK: SECRET LIFE OF PETS
8:45 to 11 p.m. Lakeway City Park, 502 Hurst Creek Rd. FREE. lakeway-tx.gov. CONTINUING: Around the World in 80 Days see Thursday 1; Woodland Faerie Trail see Thursday 1; Sprouts see Friday 2; Star Party see Friday 2; Hurry Up and Wait see Wednesday 14.
SATURDAY 17
VOICE ACTING DEMO AND WORKSHOP
2 p.m. Twin Oaks Branch Library, 1800 S. 5th St. FREE. library.austintexas.gov or 5129749980. CONTINUING: Around the World in 80 Days see Thursday 1; Giant Chess see Saturday 3; Hurry Up and Wait see Wednesday 14; Woodland Faerie Trail see Thursday 1; Courthouse Tours see Saturday 3; Adult Soapbox Derby see Friday 16.
JUNETEENTH AUSTIN OPERA PRESENTS: ONSITE OPERA
LITERATURE LIVE! PREDICTS THE FORECAST
3 p.m. Howson Branch Library, 2500 Exposition Blvd. FREE. library.austintexas.gov or 512-974-8800.
WATERCOLOR AND SCRATCH ART
6 p.m. Carver Branch Library, 1161 Angelina St. FREE. library.austintexas.gov or 512-974-1010. CONTINUING: Fun Art see Monday 5; Woodland Faerie Trail see Thursday 1.
SUNDAY 18
TUESDAY 20
7:30 to 9 p.m. Zilker Park, 2100 Barton Springs Rd. FREE. austinsymphonicband.org or 512-956-7420. CONTINUING: Woodland Faerie Trail see Thursday 1; Courthouse Tours see Saturday 3; Free Skate Lessons see Sunday 4; Concerts in the Park see Sunday 4; Game On! Board Games see Sunday 4; Adult Soapbox Derby see Friday 16.
2:30 p.m. Milwood Branch Library, 12500 Amherst Dr. FREE. library.austintexas.gov or 512-974-9880. CONTINUING: Woodland Faerie Trail see Thursday 1.
FATHER’S DAY FATHER’S DAY IN THE PARK
CELEBRATE JUNETEENTH
Noon. to 4 p.m. Carver Museum, 1165 Angelina St. FREE. austintexas.gov or 512-974-3914.
Pick us up at HEB, Whole Foods and Central Market
TWEEN STEAM: LITTLE BITS THEME PARK
WEDNESDAY 21 SUMMER SOLSTICE
Sound & Cinema ++ 6 to 10 p.m. The Long Center, 701 W. Riverside Dr. FREE. thelongcenter.org. CONTINUING: Woodland Faerie Trail see Thursday 1; Sprouts see Friday 2; Community
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Night see Wednesday 7; Austin Barn Dancers see Wednesday 7; Hurry Up and Wait see Wednesday 14.
Saturday 3; Hurry Up and Wait see Wednesday 14.
THURSDAY 22
1 to 9 p.m. 421 E. Davis St., Luling. FREE. watermelonthump.com. CONTINUING: Woodland Faerie Trail see Thursday 1; Courthouse Tours see Saturday 3; Concerts in the Park see Sunday 4; Free Skate Lessons see Sunday 4; Game On! Board Games see Sunday 4.
WORLD’S LARGEST SWIMMING LESSON
10 to 10:30 a.m. Cat Hollow Park, 8600 O’Connor Dr., Round Rock. FREE. roundrocktexas.gov or 512-218-7002.
LULING WATERMELON THUMP
5 p.m. to midnight. 421 E. Davis St., Luling. FREE. watermelonthump.com.
SUNDAY 25
LULING WATERMELON THUMP
CULTURE NIGHTS
MONDAY 26
AFRICAN AMERICAN BOOK FESTIVAL
TUESDAY 27
6:30 to 8:30 p.m. AGE Cafeteria, 3710 Cedar St. FREE. austinpowwow.net. 6:30 p.m. Carver Museum,1165 Angelina St. FREE aabookfest.com.
RHYTHM ON STAGE: BOLLYWOOD DANCE NIGHT
7 to 8:45 p.m. The Long Center, 701 W. Riverside Dr. FREE. balletaustin.org or 512-501-8704. CONTINUING: Around the World in 80 Days see Thursday 1; Unplugged at the Grove see Thursday 1; Woodland Faerie Trail see Thursday 1; Children’s Day Art Park see Thursday 8; Hurry Up and Wait see Wednesday 14.
FRIDAY 23
LULING WATERMELON THUMP
5 p.m. to midnight. 421 E. Davis St., Luling. $5 gate fee. watermelonthump.com.
MUSIC IN THE PARK
7:30 p.m. Pfluger Park, 515 City Park Rd., Pflugerville. FREE. pflugervilletx.gov or 512-990-6101.
WESTERN DAYS DANCE
8 p.m. to midnight. Memorial Park, Elgin. FREE. elgintxchamber.com.
DIVE-IN MOVIE: ALICE THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS
8:30 to 10:30 p.m. Lakeway Swim Center, 3103 Lakeway Blvd. $3. lakeway-tx.gov. CONTINUING: Around the World in 80 Days see Thursday 1; Hurry Up and Wait see Wednesday 14; Sprouts see Friday 2; Star Party see Friday 2; Woodland Faerie Trail see Thursday 1.
SATURDAY 24
AFRICAN AMERICAN BOOK FESTIVAL
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Carver Museum, 1165 Angelina St., FREE,.aabookfest.com.
LULING WATERMELON THUMP
10 a.m. to midnight. 421 E. Davis St., Luling. $5 gate fee. watermelonthump.com.
WESTERN DAYS FESTIVAL
10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Memorial Park, Elgin. FREE. elgintxchamber.com.
KEEP AUSTIN WEIRD FEST & 5K
4 to 9 p.m. 800 W Riverside Dr., Austin. $25. keepaustinweirdfest.com or 512-524-2953. CONTINUING: Around the World in 80 Days see Thursday 1; Woodland Faerie Trail see Thursday 1; Courthouse Tours see Saturday 3; Giant Chess see
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CONTINUING: Woodland Faerie Trail see Thursday 1; Fun Art see Monday 5.
TRAILER FOOD TUESDAYS
5 to 9 p.m. The Long Center, 701 W. Riverside Dr. FREE. trailerfoodtuesdays.com. CONTINUING: Woodland Faerie Trail see Thursday 1.
WEDNESDAY 28
CONTINUING: Sprouts see Friday 2; Woodland Faerie Trail see Thursday 1; Austin Barn Dancers see Wednesday 7; Community Night see Wednesday 7; Sound & Cinema see Wednesday 21.
THURSDAY 29
CONTINUING: Unplugged at the Grove see Thursday 1; Woodland Faerie Trail see Thursday 1; Children’s Day Art Park see Thursday 8.
FRIDAY 30
CONTINUING: Woodland Faerie Trail see Thursday 1; Sprouts see Friday 2; Star Party see Friday 2.
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.
gatherings in Austin, Round Rock, Killeen/Temple, Bryan-College Station and Waco. All breastfeeding mothers, babies and mothers-to-be are welcome to attend. Texaslll.org. YMCA offers a free Childhood Obesity Intervention Program on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays throughout the month. Various locations. austinymca.org or 512-236-9622.
Story Times Austin area libraries offer story times for infants, toddlers, preschoolers and families with children of all ages. In addition, there are story times in Spanish, Mandarin Chinese, Hindi, American Sign Language and other languages. Contact your local library for more information about times and appropriate ages. Austin Library Branches throughout Austin library.austintexas.gov | 512-974-7400 Cedar Park Library 550 Discovery Blvd. cedarparktx.us | 512-401-5600 Georgetown Library 402 W. 8th St. library.georgetown.org | 512-930-3551 Kyle Library 550 Scott St. cityofkyle.com | 512-268-7411 Lake Travis Library 1938 Lohman’s Crossing laketravislibrary.org | 512-263-2885 Laura’s Library 9411 Bee Cave Rd. westbanklibrary.com | 512-381-1400 Leander Library 1011 S. Bagdad Rd. leandertx.gov/library | 512-259-5259 Pflugerville Library 1008 W. Pfluger St. pflugervilletx.com | 512-990-6275 Round Rock Library 216 E. Main St. roundrocktexas.gov | 512-218-7001
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).
San Marcos Library 625 E. Hopkins St. ci.san-marcos.tx.us | 512-393-8200
La Leche League of Central Texas hosts nine regular meetings in addition to play dates and
View the Austin-Area Story Time Calendar at austinfamily.com!
Taylor Library 801 Vance St. ci.taylor.tx.us | 512-352-3434
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PIENSA POSITIVO NO by Leslie Montoya, life coach and host of Despierta Austin
¿Te Cuesta Decir NO? “No puedo,” “no quiero,” “no tengo,” “no entiendo”—frases que muchas veces no son fáciles de mencionar. De acuerdo al motivador Anthony Robbins, uno de los mayores miedos del ser humano es al de no sentirse suficiente evitando así situaciones que aprueben este miedo. La realidad es que entre más se enfrente el miedo mayor la posibilidad de eliminarlo. Siempre se apreciará más la sinceridad que la mentira aun cuando esta incomode un rato al inicio ¡Piensa positivo!
NO NO NO
Does it Cost You to Say NO?
“I can’t,” “I don’t want to,” “I don’t have any,” “I don’t understand”— words that are often not easy to say. According to motivator Anthony Robbins, one of the greatest fears human beings have is not being able to avoid these situations. The reality is that the more you face the fear, the greater your chances of eliminating it. Honesty is always more appreciated than lying, even if it bugs you at first. Think positive!
Pick us up at HEB, Whole Foods and Central Market
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Z
KID ONE Juice Pops As the sun shines longer each day and temperatures rise, cool off this summer with fun-to-make and healthy-to-eat homemade popsicles. They don’t just offer a welcome chill to the summer heat, but they also provide a nutritious dose of fruit. Fruits not only pack a natural sweetness, but they are low in fat, sodium and calories. In addition to adding fiber and vitamin C to your diet, they are sources of important daily nutrients like potassium and folic acid, making them the perfect ingredient for our tropical summer popsicles. What You Need: • Orange juice • Strawberries • Pineapple • Kiwi • Blueberries • Small plastic cups or popsicle molds • Wooden or reusable popsicle sticks What You Do: 1. With parental supervision, cut all fruits into bite-sized chunks and layer into the cup or mold. 2. Nestle the popsicle stick into the fruit, allowing the fruit layers to hold the popsicle stick up. 3. Pour orange juice over the fruit in the cup until molds are full. 4. Place molds in the freezer for at least 4 hours or overnight. 5. Enjoy! The best part about this popsicle recipe is that you can tweak and adapt it to fit your favorite foods. For example, swap out the orange juice for a different flavor of juice and get another unique combination. The YMCA of Austin believes that lasting personal and social change can only come about when we all work together to invest in our kids, our health and our neighbors.
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focus on advertisement
doctors
Dr. Kimberly Albert, ADC Steiner Ranch Dr. Kimberly Albert received her medical degree from University of California in San Francisco and completed her pediatric residency at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, TX. She is board certified in pediatrics. Dr. Albert joined ADC in 1998 and has been recognized as by Best Doctors, Inc since 2005. See ad on page 48 Dr. Rachel Montgomery, Lonestar Pediatric Dental Dr. Montgomery graduated from Baylor University in Waco, and followed up by attending the University of Texas Dental School in Houston. Her residency was completed at the Boston University School of Dental Medicine, with a specialty in pediatrics. Rachel can most likely be found spending time with her husband Marty and their precious boys. See ad on page 19 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 19 Dr. Betty Richardson Dr. Richardson earned a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in nursing, and a PhD in psych/mental health nursing. She is a licensed marriage and family therapist and a licensed professional counselor. She has over 30 years of experience working with individuals, couples, families, children and adolescents. See ad on page 45 Dr. Theresa Willis, ADC Steiner Ranch Dr. Willis is a graduate of the University of Texas, received her medical degree from Baylor College of Medicine in Houston and completed her residency at Texas Children’s Hospital. Dr. Willis’ professional interests include developmental pediatrics, fitness and healthy weight in children and teens. She is board certified by the American Board of Pediatrics. See ad on page 48
Pick us up at HEB, Whole Foods and Central Market
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BY CA R R I E TAY LO R
Items I Wish Had Tracking Devices As someone who routinely misplaces… everything, I fully appreciate the existence of GPS trackers used to keep tabs on your keys, wallet, phone, children, etc. But honestly, since having kids I can think of a million better uses for those types of devices. For the sake of brevity, I’ve listed my top three (the fourth being my actual children, but I figure we are all parents here and that is a given). 1. Sippy cups—Have you ever gotten in your car and wondered, “What’s that smell?” And after crossing off the usual culprits (old diapers, old
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socks, old chicken nuggets), have you ever had the displeasure of finding a sippy cup filled with curdled milk a day away from becoming cottage cheese? The worst. 2. Stuffed animals—My oldest son’s “babies,” the animal-blanket hybrids that—no matter how many times they are washed— always smell like goldfish, often go missing. And we don’t leave the house without The Babies. No one in the Taylor house leaves The Babies in a corner. Tracking these things down
has cost me so many hours of my life I can’t keep count. (My search party and I once spent 30 minutes looking, only to find them stuffed in the bottom drawer of the refrigerator.) 3. Snacks—I’m referring to my own snacks. The small packaged treasures I keep hidden away so my toddler doesn’t see or hear me open the wrapper. In my attempts to avoid the dreaded, “What you got?” I stash away treats in such discreet hiding spots that I end up completely forgetting where I put them a day later. Mom brain is real, people. af Carrie Taylor is a freelance writer and mother of two boys.
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R C E A M M M U S Pioneers & Explorers P! JUNE 5 - AUGUST 18
Join us for Summer Camp! June 5 – August 18. Availability is limited so register today!
This summer, we will become Pioneers and Explorers as we adventure through time and space. Each two week session learning plan will focus on a different type of pioneer or explorer. Campers will discover the potential opportunities open to them to become the pioneers and explorers of the future. Our Summer Camp offers the unique antidote to summer brain drain with six specialty camps all in one place. All of our bi-weekly lesson plans are based on our unique Platinum Learning for Life™ curriculum, with S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) principles and projects incorporated to immerse your child in a whole-child adventure nourishing their mind, body and spirit.
$100 TUITION CREDIT for all families who enroll in June and mention Austin Family Magazine
S T E A M (512)
459-0258
www.SteppingStoneSchool.com