MAY 2017 ®
smart parenting • healthy homes
Serving Austin’s Families Since 1992
25th Anniversary
How to Choose Daycare 7 Tips for a Clutter-Free Home
Page
10
Summer Camp Health Checklist
Meet the Delinos March for Babies Ambassador Family
INSIDE!
CAMP GUIDE | CALENDAR | READERS’ POLL BALLOT | ARTICULOS EN ESPAÑOL
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MAY 2017
smart parenting • healthy homes
10
March for Babies
columns 9 14
Ten Things… For National Bike Month! Family Matters Working Through a Fear of Dogs
20 The Learning Curve
The Case for Having Nothing to Do
22 Lifelines
Your Summer Camp Health Checklist
24 Family Connections
Facing a Crisis? Crowdfunding Can Help
48 Just for Grins
12
TChoosing a Daycare
18
Home Reorganization
calendar
en español
42 Museum Exhibits 42 Family Events 45 Parenting Events
16 Asuntos Familiares
Trabajando para Superar el Miedo a los Perros
25th 2 5t Anniversary ry y
in every issue 5
Play It Safe Recalls
6 Around Austin 47 Kidzone
Pressed Flowers
FILM REVIEW by Jack Kyser This month’S review:
Anthem of a Soggy Mom
The Circle
extras follow us: tune in:
Read online at: www.austinfamily.com/films
26 Camp Guide 46 Readers’ Poll Ballot 46 Smart Screen Time 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.
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New items each week. Visit our website to register.
On the Cover The Delino family is this year’s March of Dimes ambassador family.
Photo by Jordan Ashley Photography.
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® BY S H E R I DA M O C K
May 2017 Volume 25, No. 2
I’m writing this on a day when the clouds are heavy with the prospect of rain. Here in Central Texas—otherwise known as Flash Flood Alley—we can go weeks or even months without rain, then endure a sudden and devastating downpour. Those sunny days make it easy to forget that there are meteorologists working behind the scenes to guide us through the storm. The March of Dimes is kind of like that, too. That’s why so many families who participate in the March for Babies start their stories the same way: they didn’t know how much they owed the organization until their own circumstances led them to understand the research conducted, the services offered and the community built around improving outcomes for all babies.
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
As a sponsor of the March for Babies, each year Austin Family magazine brings you the moving story of an ambassador family. You hear what it’s like to deliver a baby at 28 weeks, to feel powerless to comfort a child hooked up to monitors, masks and tubes or—worst of all—to grieve the loss of a child.
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
In all those scenarios and more, the March of Dimes lends a hand and fights for better outcomes in the future. If you see the value in preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality, I hope you’ll find a way to support the March for Babies, as well.
TRANSLATION TEAM
Sherida Mock, Dr. Betty Richardson, Jack Kyser, Richard Singleton, Carrie Taylor, Brenda Schoolfield, Rocio Barbosa, Margaret Nicklas, Sandra Gordon and Ashley Talmadge.
Maribel Ruvalcaba, Margo Vogelpohl
GRAPHIC DESIGN Susie Forbes & Mary Lingle
Happy May!
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Jordan Ashley Photography
ADVERTISING SALES Kaye K. Lowak: kaye2003@austinfamily.com
BUSINESS & DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Greg Lowak: greg@austinfamily.com We are dedicated to serving the Greater Austin area by providing up-to-date information and ideas that promote smart parenting and healthy homes. We promote our clients’ businesses by increasing their customer bases and enhancing their public images.
Austin Family is published monthly by KKKemper Inc. Mailing Address: P.O. Box 7559, Round Rock, Texas 78683-7559 Phone Number: 512-733-0038 On the web at: www.austinfamily.com Advertising rates are available upon request. While we use great care in creating our display ads, mistakes can happen. Austin Family and the publisher are not liable for any damages arising from any typographical or mechanical errors beyond the cost of the ad. Austin Family does not necessarily endorse any of the advertisers, products or services listed in this publication. We do not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Subscriptions are available for $30 per year. Copyright 2017. All rights reserved. No portion of Austin Family may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher.
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Play it product recalls
safe
Government Recalls Rattles, Battery Chargers and Toy Wands Kids II is recalling about 680,000 rattles because the clear plastic disc on the outside of the ball can break, releasing small beads, posing a choking hazard to young children. The recall involves Oball Rattles in pink, blue, green and orange with model number 81031 printed on the inner surface of one of the plastic discs. Affected units were sold at Target, Walgreens, Walmart and other retailers nationwide and online at Amazon.com, Babyhaven.com, Diapers.com, Toysrus.com, Walgreens.com and other online retailers from January 2016 through February 2017 for between $5 and $7. Consumers should immediately take the recalled rattles away from young children and contact the firm to receive a full refund. Performance Designed Products is recalling about 121,000 XBox One chargers because they can overheat and damage the video game controller, posing a burn hazard. The recall involves Energizer XBox One 2X Smart Chargers used to charge XBox One video game controllers. Item number 048-052-NA is printed on the bottom of the chargers. Affected units were sold at Best Buy, GameStop and other stores nationwide and online at Amazon.com and other online retailers between February 2016 and February 2017 for about $40. Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled battery chargers and contact Performance Designed Products to return the chargers for a full refund. Target is recalling about 19,000 tic tac toe games because the magnets can come off the game pieces, posing a choking hazard. Internal injury from magnets can pose serious lifelong health effects. The recall involves a 10 by 10 inch plywood game board with nine “X” and “heart” game pieces. Model number 234-25-1089 is printed on the bottom right corner of the product. Affected units were sold exclusively at Target stores nationwide between December 2016 and February 2017 for about $5. Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled game and return it to any Target store for a full refund.
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
School Lunch
Austin ISD launched the district’s first mobile food truck, Nacho Average Food Truck, in late March with an opening at Travis High School.
corn syrup; hormones and antibiotics in animal production; added and artificial sweeteners; artificial colors and flavors; artificial preservatives and bleached flour.
Sharpen your light saber on May 4, Star Wars Day.
Nacho Average Food Truck will rotate throughout campuses in the district and follows the introduction of a stationary food truck at Anderson High School. The mobile food truck is made possible by a $600,000 grant from Life Time Foundation, a public charity created by Life Time Fitness. The grant also funds the expansion of AISD’s Breakfast in the Classroom program and Made to Order Salad Bars, plus staff training on farm-totable scratch cooking. In return for the grant, AISD has committed to removing the Foundation’s “Harmful 7” from menus: trans fats and hydrogenated oils; high fructose
Get out and ride! May is National Bike Month. Fly the flag on May 29, Memorial Day.
Reagan Lowman rides Hans with helper Ari Aspergen at last year’s RED Arena Round-up. Photo courtesy of RED Arena.
Equine Therapy
RED (Riding Equines for the Disabled) Arena will hold its annual Round-Up inclusive horseshow for riders of all abilities on June 3 at Dripping Springs Ranch Park. The event gives kids with disabilities the opportunity to participate and compete with kids without disabilities. “When we started the Round-Up seven years ago, we envisioned it as a day that gave our riders a chance to shine while bringing the community of Dripping Springs together,” says Jennifer Young, RED Arena’s Founder and Executive Director. “Now it continues to surpass our expectations.”
Students and adults enjoy samples from the launch of the Nacho Average Food Truck at Travis High School.
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Must -Do This Month
Marie Lowman has been bringing her daughter, Reagan, to RED Arena since it first opened. “As the parent of a special needs child, so much of the focus is on what the child’s limitations are. This event
allows us to focus 100 percent on abilities, not limitations,” says Lowman. The horseshow begins at 10 a.m. Admission is free. The event offers kids’ activities, food and more by donation. All proceeds benefit the programs at RED Arena to support their mission of empowering individuals of all abilities through horses. For more information, visit REDarena.org.
Ronald McDonald House
Eight hundred guests joined Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Texas for its annual Bandana Ball on April 1 to raise a record $630,000. Guests enjoyed an array of activities including photos with a Texas longhorn, getting their boots shined and capturing the evening in the photo booth.
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Circus Arts
A circus-themed show featuring turn-ofthe-century style acts visits Austin June 6 – 8 at the Long Center. Circus 1903The Golden Age of Circus brings to the stage acrobats, musicians, knife throwers, high wire walkers and more. Advanced puppetry puts elephants in the ring, as well.
The event is part of an education program by the Long Center for the Performing Arts. The program also provides scholarships totaling $15,000: ten scholarships for college-bound students and five scholarships for high school theatre programs and training.
Tickets start at $29. For more information, visit thelongcenter.org.
High School Musicals Mia B. and the Zavalas attended the Bandana Ball benefitting Ronald McDonald House Charities. Photo courtesy of RMHC CTX.
“We are so grateful to our guests that came together to support our families with critically ill or injured children,” says Carolyn Schwarz, Chief Executive Officer of RMHC CTX. “Long after Bandana Ball is over, the impact of everyone’s kindness will continue to support all the families who rely on our programs.”
Students from 31 area high schools assembled for the 4th annual Greater Austin High School Musical Theatre Awards at the Long Center in April. The event honors outstanding student achievements in categories ranging from set design and musical direction to acting and production.
The Bruce Smith Band entertains the crowd at last year’s Walk to Cure Arthritis. Photo courtesy of the Arthritis Foundation.
Arthritis Foundation Acrobats perform daredevil feats at the Circus 1903 show. Photo by Martin Ollman.
The Arthritis Foundation’s Walk to Cure Arthritis takes place May 6 at Concordia University. The foundation’s annual signature event will raise funds to find a cure and support the fight against arthritis.
J. Quinton Johnson of the musical Hamilton poses with students from Bowie High School as they celebrate the school’s nomination in seven categories for the Greater Austin High School Musical Theatre Awards. Photo by Grayson Rosato.
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by the
numbers 1908
The foundation says it expects hundreds of participants. The walk will include one-mile and two-mile course options. Participants can also enjoy a Kids’ Zone, Dog Zone, Juvenile Arthritis Clubhouse for parents, music from the Bruce Smith Band and breakfast tacos from Maudie’s. To register, visit walktocurearthritis.org/Austin.
Special Needs
In April, Austin ISD hosted “A Night to Remember,” a dance for teens with special needs, at the AISD Performing Arts Center. Students involved in the Community Based Instruction (CBI) program gathered for dancing, refreshments and photos. CBI instructs students with special needs in functional and daily life skills, as well as adapted academics in their core content areas.
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First Mother’s Day observance
Source: US Census Bureau
$173
Average spent on Mother’s Day gifts Teens enrolled in the AISD CBI program enjoy “A Night to Remember” in April. Photo courtesy of Peli Peli.
The dance was made possible through support from Lions Club UT, Junior Pals and Peli Peli restaurant. “Dances should be a wonderful event for every high schooler, and this dance is a fun way for the community to get involved and create something special for these teens,” says Peli Peli partner Thomas P. Nguyen. af
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Source: National Retail Federation
67%
Percentage of givers buying flowers for Mother’s Day Source: National Retail Federation
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10 Things‌for National Bike Month! 1. Bike to school or work
2. Get a bike tune-up
7. Install a bell
3. Check your tire pressure
8. Know the hand signals
9. Know the rules of the road
4. Make sure your helmet fits
5. Check your brakes
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6. Adjust the seat height
10. Visit bikeleague.org
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March for Babies Brings Community Together BY S H E R I DA M O C K
Meet the Delinos: a Round Rock family serving as this year’s March for Babies ambassadors. Mom Rachel and dad Roman welcomed their son River, now 6, when he was only 28 weeks gestational age. River’s premature birth launched the family’s involvement with the March of Dimes, and that involvement only deepened when they later welcomed daughter Loretta, now 3, at 32 weeks gestational age. Rachel Delino recently sat down with us to share how the March of Dimes has helped her family. AF: What was it like to deliver a baby at 28 weeks? Delino: I didn’t know I was in labor, because I’d never had a baby before, and when you’re 28 weeks pregnant, you don’t think, “I’m in labor.” They had the neonatologist come in and tell me what to expect: how big he would be, what he would look like, that kind of thing. She said he would be between 2 and 2 ½
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procedures. You have to wash your hands for 3 minutes. How to store the breast milk. They gave me labels to put on it. It’s odd to leave the hospital without the baby.
AF: How long was River in the NICU? Delino: Nine weeks. He came home with no oxygen, no assistance. We brought him home three weeks prior to his due date.
AF: How is he doing now? Delino: He is a happy and healthy (L to R) Roman, Loretta, Rachel and River Delino are the March of Dimes ambassador family for 2017. Photo courtesy of Rachel Delino.
6-year-old. He loves to bake and dance.
pounds. When he came out, he was 3 pounds, 3 ounces. He was huge. [laughs] They wrapped him up, set him next to my head, clicked a picture real quick, put him in an incubator and wheeled him down the hallway. That was not the best time in my life. It was nerve wracking. You see your baby, and they’ve got all this stuff attached to them. He had a CPAP mask on. He had a PICC line. They don’t have any clothes on. They’re really skinny. That’s no fun. But after the initial shock, you talk to the nurses. They explain the
The Delino family has been walking in the March for Babies since 2011. Photo courtesy of Rachel Delino.
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a fundraiser. I started looking into it and realizing that some of the techniques they were using in the NICU were the result of research the March of Dimes had done, like the kangaroo care, which was our favorite thing. It just feels nice to be able to put them on your chest and wrap them up. You can see on the monitors that their breathing gets steady. It’s helping them.
Loretta and River Delino were both born prematurely but are thriving today. Photo courtesy of Rachel Delino.
AF: And your daughter Loretta came early, as well. What was that like? Delino: I had gone to the doctor that Friday and everything was fine. We took maternity pictures that evening—I’d never gotten to take them with River; you don’t think to take maternity pictures when you’re 28 weeks pregnant.
March for Babies May 13 Old Settler’s Park Round Rock
On Saturday, my water broke. My husband and I got in the car and went straight to the hospital. The same thing happened: they wrapped her up, put her next to my head, then whisked her away. She weighed 4 pounds and 4 ounces. She did have a nasal canula, but she didn’t have a PICC line. She was able to breathe on her own pretty quick. She ended up staying in the NICU for seven weeks, mostly because she couldn’t get the suckswallow-breathe action down.
AF: How is Loretta doing now? Delino: She is full of energy and curiosity. Her favorite things include dancing, singing and coloring.
AF: How did you become involved with the March for Babies? Delino: When River was in the
marchforbabies.org
NICU, my mother and I went shopping, and they were selling these little rings that said “Be Happy” for the March of Dimes as
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One of the other moms in the NICU, I would see her every day. Her son was born the day before mine. So, I asked her if she wanted to do the March for Babies together. We signed up and made a team. By the time the walk came around, we had brought both our sons home. We had them with us in the strollers. Our friends have been so supportive, buying team t-shirts and donating money. Several local businesses here sponsor our team t-shirts. Now, we walk for eight babies. We’ve had a couple of different team names. We started as River’s Friends, and then we were Two Boys and a Lady, and now we’re Preemie Pals. It’s important to us, obviously, but it’s important to so many other people, too. You realize how many people have premature babies or babies that have to be in the NICU.
AF: What’s it like to walk in the March for Babies? Delino: It’s nice. It’s a community. You see all these other people who’ve been touched by this, as well. It’s a little sad. They have memorials for the babies who’ve been lost. It makes you thankful. [pauses] We plan to do this forever. af May 2017 l austinfamily.com
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Questions to Ask When Choosing a Daycare BY SA N D R A G O R D O N
If you’ll be returning to work after your baby is born, you probably know that open daycare spots can go faster than ice cream melts on a hot summer day. Still, for your child’s well-being and your own peace of mind, you’ll want to give yourself time to get it right. Starting a few months before you’re ready, “visit three to five daycare programs,” says Kris Murray, author of The Ultimate Childcare Marketing Guide and a consultant to the childcare industry. To narrow your selection, here are the top questions Murray suggests asking daycare providers.
ratio of 1:4 (one adult per four infants). For toddlers 12 to 28 months old, the ratio should be 1:3 (one instructor per three children). Look for class sizes of 10 to 12 children or fewer. Even with plenty of adults, a larger group of toddlers can feel chaotic.
3 What’s your policy about unannounced visits? The best answer is, “No problem. We have an open door policy.” Impromptu parent visits should always be
1 What activities will my child do? The code word to listen for is “curriculum.” With emerging research about early brain development, top childcare programs aren’t glorified babysitters. They’re full-featured
welcome, Murray says. After signing your child up, you
learning environments even at the infant level, because
should be able to drop by anytime.
learning starts from birth. “There are all sorts of age-appropriate curriculums
4 How will I know what my child did all day?
available now, from baby sign language in an infant
Some centers distribute a daily activity sheet, detailing
room to early reading, nature, science, art, technology
what your child had for snack and how often her diaper
and drama programs for toddlers,” Murray says. Each
was changed. Many daycare centers offer e-mail or text
program is typically organized into themes. For example,
messages two to four times daily. It’s a big plus. “Real time
if the theme is insects, your toddler might dress up as
streaming helps you stay connected to your child’s day,”
a bug for the drama unit, paint a bug for the art unit
Murray says. When you pick your child up, you can say,
and learn about insects in the computer lab for the
“Look at the cute pictures I got from you today,” and talk
technology unit.
about them together.
2 What’s the teacher-to-child ratio? It’s important for your child to get plenty of attention.
5 What are the qualifications of your caregivers?
Babies and toddlers 12 months old and younger need a
“Ask for a list of the teachers, including the number of
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years of experience they’ve had in the field, their
building. “Stricter regulations on safety and background checks
degree (in early childhood education for the lead
are now required in many states,” Murray says.
teacher) or the training they’ve had,” Murray says. Lead
When touring a daycare center, ask whether the children are
teachers should have five to
monitored by a secure webcam. Is the feed distributed to the
seven years of experience.
director’s office? (Good.) Can you have access to the feed
With practice comes
as well? (Double good.) Not only does camera surveillance
the competence
provide peace of mind, it allows you to engage in your child’s
to handle
day (“I saw you help Sam pick up his crayons. That was so nice
challenging
of you.”)
issues, such as behavioral problems or potty training.
8 How often do the kids get to go outside? Beyond extremely hot or cold weather, “there’s no excuse for children not to get outside every day,” Murray says. Your
6 Are drop-off and pick-up hours flexible?
childcare center should support the full health of the child, which includes spending time in nature and being active.
If you work from home day of help here and there,
9 What’s your disaster recovery and emergency policy?
look for a daycare option that
If there’s an emergency at the school, you want to know that
works with your nontraditional
teachers have been properly trained to respond quickly and
schedule. Daycare that’s less
effectively. Every teacher should be trained in CPR, too.
sometimes or need a half-
than full-time is a growing trend. “For a monthly membership fee, many daycare centers will allow you to drop off your child whenever you want,” Murray says.
10 A sk yourself: Am I comfortable with the environment? Spend an hour or two hour at your top picks observing a classroom when the kids are awake (not at nap time). What’s the vibe? The center should feel open and
7 What’s the security situation?
warm-hearted. Teachers should look like they’re
Most childcare programs
children. If you get a good feeling about the place,
are safer than they were
happy to be there and engaged with the chances are your child will like it, too.
five years ago. Some now have biometrics
Finally, confirm your selection by finding out what others have
at the entrance.
to say. Review testimonials on the center’s Facebook page and
Instead of
review sites such as Yelp. “Sometimes there are disgruntled
punching in
employees or an occasional unhappy parent,” Murray says.
a code at
“If you see 10 great reviews and one negative one, you’re
the door,
probably fine. Look for a preponderance of positive.” af
you place your finger on a pad to enter the Pick us up at HEB, Whole Foods and Central Market
Sandra Gordon is an award-winning freelance writer who delivers expert advice and news in health, nutrition, parenting and consumer issues.
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BY B E T T Y R I C H A R D S O N
Working Through a Fear of Dogs
Q. Our 7-year-old son is terrified of dogs. I’ve no idea why, and he’s not afraid other critters. My husband thinks I’m too protective. He wants to give our son a puppy for his birthday, thinking that having his own dog will help him overcome his fear. What do you think? A. There are many possible reasons why children develop a fear of dogs: • Kids may have an experience with a dog that frightened them. A dog may have licked the child’s face, jumped on him or given scary tiny nips. Children can confuse a dog by running away, which the dog takes as an invitation to play. A dog’s continued engagement may frighten the child even more. • An adult may have unintentionally taught the child that all dogs are scary by repeatedly warning to stay away from all dogs. • Sometimes parents are afraid of dogs, and children may sense that fear and model the behavior. • Tracy Dennis, PhD, in the psychology department at Hunter College, points out that some kids have “a lower threshold
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for feeling distress when they encounter something new or unexpected.” This can explain other fears as well. So, how can you help your son get over his fear? Here are some suggestions that start with activities that have no contact with a dog and work up to being close to a real dog: 1. Together with your child, read books and watch TV shows or films about friendly dogs. Have a discussion about the dogs. 2. Shop with your child and buy one or two stuffed animal dogs he can cuddle up to. 3. Role play, with you and your child taking turns as the dog. Through role play, you may find out why your child is frightened of dogs. 4. S lowly work up to watching a dog on the sidewalk or at a park—on a leash and at a distance. 5. D iscuss with your child that some dogs are good to pet and some you need to give plenty of space. Read the article “What Your Child Needs to Know about Dogs” by Brenda Schoolfield in the April Issue of Austin Family magazine. You’ll find helpful information about the importance of getting permission from a dog’s owner before petting a dog, as well as how to approach and when not to approach.
become accustomed to children and being petted. A dog that visits assisted living centers or children’s hospitals would seem ideal. 7. B efore buying a dog, consider borrowing one from a neighbor or friend for a short period of time to see if your son is ready to interact. While some adults tell me they overcame their fears when their parents bought a dog for them, I keep in mind that not all kids will adjust as easily and will need the steps above. I also suggest that when your child is ready, you let him pick out his own dog, whether it’s a puppy or an older dog. Let him fall in love with a dog. But what if all the above suggestions don’t work, and your son is still terrified of dogs? At that point, you need to seek professional help. Your child may have a clinically significant phobia. In an American Psychological Association Monitor on Psychology article from 2005, author Joel Sherrill, PhD, reported research suggesting that clinically significant phobias occur in about 5 percent of children. These are the children who need professional help. af Betty Richardson, PhD, RNC, LPC, LMFT, is an Austin-based psychotherapist who specializes in dealing with the problems of children, adolescents and parents.
6. When your child seems ready to pet a real dog, choose an older dog that has View the magazine online at l austinfamily.com
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BY B E T T Y R I C H A R D S O N
Trabajando para Superar el Miedo a los Perros
P. Nuestro hijo de 7 años de edad le tiene terror a los perros. No tengo ni idea por qué, ya que no le tiene miedo a otros animalitos. Mi marido piensa que lo protejo demasiado. Quiere darle a nuestro hijo un cachorro para su cumpleaños, pensando que al tener su propio perro le ayudará a superar su miedo. ¿Qué piensa usted? R. Hay muchas razones posibles de porque los niños desarrollan miedo a los perros: • Los niños pudieron haber tenido una experiencia con un perro que los asustó. Un perro pudo haber lamido la cara del niño, saltado en él o dio unos pequeños mordiscos que lo asustaron. Los niños pueden confundir a un perro al salir corriendo, pues el perro lo toma como una invitación a jugar. Peor aun cuando un perro continúe participando y no para, puede asustar al niño aún más. • Un adulto pudo haber enseñado involuntariamente al niño a tenerle miedo a los perros al repetidamente advertirle de mantenerse alejado de todos los perros. • A veces los padres le tienen miedo a los perros, y los niños pueden sentir ese miedo y así modelando el comportamiento de los padres. • Tracy Dennis, PhD, del departamento de psicología en Hunter College, señala que algunos niños tienen “un límite más bajo de tolerancia para sentir angustia cuando
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encuentran algo nuevo o inesperado.” Esto también pudiera explicar otros miedos. Entonces, ¿cómo puede ayudar a su hijo a superar su miedo? Aquí están algunas sugerencias que comienzan con actividades donde no tienen contacto con un perro y trabajar hasta poder estar cerca de un perro de verdad: 1. Junto con su hijo, lea libros y vea programas de televisión o películas sobre perros amistosos. Tenga una plática con él sobre los perros. 2. Vaya de compras con su hijo y compre uno o dos perros de peluche los cuales pueda abrazar. 3. Juegue el rol, tomando turnos usted y su hijo, de actuar como un perro. A través de este juego, usted pudiera averiguar por qué su hijo le tiene miedo a los perros. 4. Trabaje lentamente con su hijo hasta que él pueda mirar un perro en la banqueta o en un parque, con una correa y a distancia. 5. Hable con su hijo de que algunos perros son buenas mascotas pero con otros necesita darle mucho espacio. Lea el articulo “Lo que su hijo necesita saber sobre perros” escrito por Brenda Schoolfield en la edición de abril de la revista Austin Family. Ahí encontrará información útil sobre la importancia de obtener el permiso del dueño antes de acariciar a un perro, así como la forma de acercarse y cuando no acercarse. 6. Cuando usted vea que su hijo puede estar listo para acariciar a un perro de verdad, elija un perro más viejo que
este acostumbrado a los niños y ser acariciado. Un perro que visita centros de vida asistida u hospitales infantiles parecería ideal. 7. Antes de comprar un perro, considere pedir prestado uno de un vecino o amigo durante un breve período de tiempo para ver si su hijo está listo para interactuar con un perro. Mientras que algunos adultos me dicen que superaron sus miedos cuando sus padres les compraron un perro para ellos, tengo presente que no todos los niños se adaptan tan fácilmente y necesitarán los pasos mencionados anteriormente. También sugiero que cuando su hijo esté listo, lo deje escoger su propio perro, ya sea un cachorro o un perro más viejo. Déjelo que se enamore de un perro. Pero ¿qué pasa si todas las sugerencias anteriores no funcionan, y su hijo sigue aterrorizado de los perros? En ese momento, usted necesita buscar ayuda profesional. Su hijo puede tener una fobia clínicamente significativa. En un artículo publicado en la Asociación Americana de Psicología - Monitor de Psicología del 2005, el autor Joel Sherrill, PhD, relató la investigación que sugiere que las fobias clínicamente significativas ocurren en aproximadamente el 5% de los niños. Éstos son los niños que necesitan ayuda profesional. af Betty Richardson, PhD, RNC, LPC, LMFT, es una psicoterapeuta establecida en Austin que se especializa en tratar los problemas de niños, adolescentes y padres.
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Tackle Home
Reorganization
for an Easy, Breezy Summer BY AS H L E Y TA L M A D G E
As summer approaches, do you find yourself faced with this looming question: Where will I put all this stuff? The experts are here to help. Professional organizer Jennifer Pape says it’s important to consider ahead of time what you want to see on a shelf, versus what should be stashed behind a closed door. She cautions, “Even organized items, products and support tools can look cluttered if not arranged correctly.” 1. Beautiful bins. The right baskets and bins can move a space from disorganized to tidy in minutes. Achieve a stylish look by coordinating baskets with “a room’s color palette and aesthetic,” says decorator Ann Cane. “I like to place a pair or trio of the same basket underneath the open space of a foyer or hall table. One can be used for mail and the other for shoes.” 2. Practical pullouts. This innovation incorporates rollers or gliders for effortless accessibility. Pullouts can be incorporated into cabinetry, under stairs—even behind a bathtub or
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bed. Sizes range from skinny spice racks to full size wardrobes. Similar tilt-out features are available for toy storage, laundry hampers and refuse containers. 3. Creative corners. With the right design and fixtures, any “dead space” can be reconfigured into useful storage. Meet the challenge with corner shelving or a rotating system. Floor-to-ceiling revolving units make the most of corners in kitchens, closets or rooms. For bathrooms, try a full-length swivel mirror with shelves and hooks on the reverse side.
a space that either doesn’t get used or looks messy.” A heavy-duty rack installed on a garage ceiling can hold camping equipment, holiday décor and anything else that’s used seasonally. 6. Systematic stacks. When storage containers are to be stacked, buy compatible brands and sizes that fit together well. A random mix of boxes results in wasted space. Labeling and/or color coding is essential when containers are opaque and eliminates frustration when retrieving items that haven’t been used for a while.
4. Divine divisions. Divide and conquer space with organizers for drawers, cabinets and desks. Keeping like objects together makes it easy to find what’s needed. Pape says, “When organizing, it’s best to keep all items visible inside drawers and cabinets. This allows our brains to see everything we have at once instead of rifling…to find the one item we need.”
7. “Off label” uses. Many organizing products are marketed with a specific purpose in mind. By thinking outside the box, you’ll find extraordinary ways to use ordinary items. An over-thedoor shoe holder can store makeup or art supplies. An upright desk organizer can house bread boards and cookie sheets. A magnetic knife strip keeps keys handy.
5. Unwasted space. Oddly-shaped and out-of-reach spaces can suit a variety of storage needs. The area under a staircase is often perfect for shelving, a closet or drawers. (In fact, the stairs themselves can be made into drawers!) Cane suggests placing a wide decorative basket on top of the fridge to hold packaged food. “Simple, I know,” she says. “But otherwise, it’s
“Often a messy, unorganized home creates stress and chaos for everyone living there,” says Pape. “Having an organized space benefits us in every single area of our lives. Our homes should be our sanctuaries.” af
Ashley Talmadge is a freelance writer and mother of two boys.
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BY M A R GA R E T N I C K L AS
The Case for Having Nothing to Do Summer vacation is almost here. Programs and activities fill quickly, and parents often feel the pressure to grab spots while they can. This is especially true for parents unable to be home with their children during the summer break, and those who fear kids will languish if left to their own devices. But in the push to settle your child’s summer schedule, it’s wise to allow for a generous dose of unstructured playtime. His or her mental health, as well as academic and social success, could depend on it.
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Intuitively, we may see free playtime in school or elsewhere as nice but not essential—a time to decompress, socialize and perhaps get some exercise. But a quick survey of what experts have said on the subject reveals that it’s all that and much more. In fact, unstructured play is critical to human development, and plays a role in a child’s ability to empathize, problem-solve, collaborate, and process information, says UT’s Anthony Petrosino, who holds a doctorate in education and human development. His areas of expertise include project-based instruction and problem solving in STEM disciplines. Petrosino’s perspective is shared by many and bolstered by research.
For instance, a recent study published in Evolutionary Psychology concluded that the “opportunity for free play in childhood significantly predicts both social success and individual adaptability.” Even school systems have recognized the importance of unstructured playtime. Last year, AISD began requiring all elementary schools to give students at least 30 minutes of unstructured play (recess) per day, in addition to their already mandated 135 minutes per week of structured physical activity. Unstructured play refers to activities that are open-ended, creative and active, although not necessarily athletic, according to Stacey Shackelford, PhD, Chair of the Child Care and Development Department at Austin Community College. “Play is extremely valuable for child learning, understanding concepts, experimentation, and also for emotional and mental processing,” she says. Yet experts also worry that children are increasingly deprived of the time and freedom to play in an unstructured, healthy way. Heavily scheduled lives, pressures to develop specific skills that may make children more “competitive,” concerns about safety and the prevalence of pastimes like TV viewing and video gaming are just a few of the hurdles today’s families may face in finding play time.
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Playing with objects that stimulate the imagination (like Legos or blocks), dramatic pretend play, and self-directed artistic endeavors are examples of the types of play children need in terms of brain development and even mental health, Shackelford says. That’s because such activities give children the opportunity to make decisions, plan and set goals, and, when playing with others, to negotiate. They let children produce results independent of adult direction, thus building self-confidence and a sense of control, which may help mitigate depression and anxiety.
Finally, whatever your child’s age, join in some activities if you can. Drawing pictures or making clay figures alongside your very young child models how to play without rules and gives him or her permission to create. Let your older child plan and lead a project of his or her choosing, while you play a supporting role. Engage in your own
unstructured “play” by discovering a long-lost hobby or passion. Along with being a great role model for your kids, you might just find your own spirits rising. af Margaret Nicklas is an Austin-based freelance journalist, writer and mom who covers public affairs, public health and the well-being of children.
Doing something improvisational and creative (like building a fort out of pillows or cardboard boxes) is the gold standard in terms of unstructured play. During such activities, Shackelford explains, children get to use meta-cognitive processing, which is different from the thinking they do when trying to conform to external rules or expectations. “They are pulling back and looking at what they have done, thinking about it and problem solving. ‘OK, now I’ve got this, what am I going to do next?’” she says. Of course, structured activities like organized sports, swim lessons and camps may offer great additions to your child’s summer. But look for options that also provide openended, self-directed activities and at home, strive to create pockets of time for unstructured play, Shackelford says. TV viewing, video gaming and even board games don’t count, she adds. These activities may be relaxing and fun, but shouldn’t displace your child’s unstructured play. For older children and teens, Shackelford says it’s key to have projects and cultivate specific interests or hobbies your child truly enjoys, structured or not. Pick us up at HEB, Whole Foods and Central Market
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BY B R E N DA S C H O O L F I E L D
Your Summer Camp Health Checklist After hours of searching, researching and enrolling your child in just the right summer camps, you breathe a sigh of relief. But wait! Follow this checklist to make sure you’ve planned for your child’s health and safety this summer. Physical Exams and Immunization Requirements R Look at the forms issued by each camp to determine medical requirements. Some camps, such as sports camps, require a physical exam before camp starts. R If a physical exam is required, call and schedule the appointment with your child’s pediatrician. If an exam is not required but your child is due for a well-child visit, schedule it. This is your chance to identify any undiagnosed medical issue before camp starts. R If an office visit is not needed, locate your child’s immunization record or contact your pediatrician for a current copy. Ask the nurse to verify that your child is up to date on all immunizations. If not, make an appointment for the needed shots. If you are concerned about immunization safety, schedule an appointment with your child’s pediatrician to discuss. The American Academy of Pediatrics and
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention stress the importance of immunizations in preventing serious illness or even death. Medications R Check the number of refills for medicines your child may need while at camp. Sometimes a doctor’s visit is required before certain medicines can be refilled. R Carefully complete any forms required for medicines. Camp personnel need to know when, how much and how often to give a medicine. R Learn about each camp’s policies on medicines. Some camps have very strict policies. For example, at some camps even cough drops or an itch relief stick must be stored in the nurse’s office and given only by authorized personnel. R If your child has a chronic illness, such as diabetes or a severe allergy, call and discuss this with the camp director or nurse. Many camps have specific forms, such as a Medical Action Plan, which gives specific directions about what to do if your child has a medical emergency. Sometimes, personnel may need special training, such as how to help someone use an epi-pen or asthma inhaler. If your child will go on field trips, discuss how the medicine will be transported and stored, and who is authorized to give the medicine offsite.
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Sun Protection and Bug Spray R Stock up on sun protection. And before you buy, ensure you have the latest information. Not all products provide enough protection for both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. R Buy bug spray if your child will be outdoors. Active ingredients to look for are DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) and para-menthane-diol (PMD). Notice how long the product works. Some only last an hour. Don’t buy combo sunscreen/bug spray, because sunscreen must be reapplied every 2 hours and is often needed when bug spray isn’t.
Myth: The higher the SPF (sun protection factor), the longer my child can go without reapplying. Fact: Higher SPF doesn’t mean protection will last longer. No matter what the SPF, sunscreens are only effective for 2 hours or less. (Check the label.) The AAD recommends an SPF of 30 or higher. Some experts caution against using an SPF higher than 50 on a child because of the extra ingredients in these products.
Myth: Sunscreen is all my child needs for sun protection. Fact: In addition to sunscreen, your child needs sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays, a wide brimmed hat and lip balm with SPF 30 protection. Keep in mind that the best protection is to stay out of the sun between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. af Brenda Schoolfield is a freelance medical writer who splits her time between Austin and Seattle.
Here are some common myths about sunscreen and what you need to know: Myth: All sunscreens protect against harmful rays. Fact: Many sunscreens protect against UVB rays but not UVA rays. Yet UVA rays are more damaging. Look for “broad spectrum” protection and the Skin Cancer Foundation’s Seal of Recommendation on the label. Myth: Ingredients in sunscreen don’t matter. Fact: Your child needs a combination of chemical ingredients (which absorb UV rays) and physical ingredients (which deflect UV rays). Chemical ingredients include avobenzone and benzophenone; physical ingredients include titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. Myth: Sprays are as good as cream. Fact: You should use a cream, not a spray, which can’t be applied heavily enough for adequate protection. One ounce of sunscreen (enough to fill a shot glass) is considered enough by American Academy of Dermatology (AAD).
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BY R I C H A R D S I N G L E TO N
Facing a Crisis? Crowdfunding Can Help In a social media age when Hollywood indiscretions
First, know exactly what you’re trying to accomplish. You
and cat videos go viral faster than
can’t just “help Jane” or “fight for Fido.”
little Billy’s flu-infused sneeze,
You’ll need to be crisp and clear
it’s sometimes hard to
about what Jane needs or
imagine that there’s a
just how fighting for Fido
very meaningful silver
will make a difference
lining in the social
in the world. Jot down
media malaise.
succinct bullet points that are full of easy to
Not all is lost on the
understand, easy to
“interwebs!”
navigate information.
One great example
You’ll need this data
is crowdfunding. It has
when it’s time to publish
become a vital source
your request.
of charitable donations
Next, select a crowdfunding
for families who’ve suffered
“platform.” You’ve likely
tragedies, people
heard some of the big ones:
who have mountains
GoFundMe, Kickstarter,
of medical bills or for
Indiegogo…the list goes
social opportunities
on. Right away, there are so
like meeting the
many choices. If you’re like
astronomical needs
me, too many choices can
of rescued animals,
feel daunting. Hang in there.
ecological disasters or ongoing environmental
One thing you can do to
concerns.
narrow down your options is to specifically do a search for
But, where to begin?
crowdfunding platforms that
It can be confusing,
are best equipped to help
complicated and
you with the cause you’re
unnerving—the last
trying to fund. There are
thing you need when
platforms best suited to non-
facing life’s most stressful moments.
profit, personal and specific-cause fundraising. Google
Following are a few hints and highlights as you navigate
is your friend. Search for your issue and what platform
chaos and concern. We’ll only skim the surface, so be
has worked best for that issue. One recent article on
ready to go deeper to address the needs specific to your
CrowdCrux.com, for example, discussed six platforms
vital cause.
that were best suited to personal cause fundraising:
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GoFundMe, Indiegogo, FunAnything,
They want to make a difference.
a compelling need—a need that must
GiveForward, YouCaring and
Present your need in ways that
be met, and that when met, will make
Rally.org.
connect needs and opportunities.
all the difference in the world. af
Third, be unashamed and unquestionably precise in your request for what is needed. Did
Don’t beg. Don’t sell. Tell a story— your story, the story of a kindhearted
Richard Singleton, MACE, MAMFC, LPC, is the executive director at STARRY in Round Rock.
human being who cares deeply about
your grandfather’s kidney transplant leave the family with nightmarish six-figure medical bills, an empty bank account, no transportation and a second mortgage? You’ll have to be realistic. Should you flood your potential donors with the full financial story and hope for the best, or would you be better served by a lasersharp focus on the most compelling need of all? You can’t stumble into a crowdfunding campaign and be vague about the need. It has to be precise, clear and trustworthy for it to produce the results that you need. Finally, bring your story to life on the platform. If you’re not good at making a compelling ask, you’ll need help turning those data-filled bullet points and boring spreadsheets into something magical—something that makes people believe in the power of sharing what you’re dreaming to accomplish. Don’t try to do this alone. Have several trusted friends balance your skill-set and provide much needed perspective. You’ve heard it before. Less is more. Be clear and concise. People give with their hearts, not their heads. The truisms are aplenty, but they’re basically spot on. Most people want to help others. They want to invest in something worthwhile and noble. Pick us up at HEB, Whole Foods and Central Market
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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 26 OVERNIGHT CAMPS page 40 SPECIAL NEEDS CAMPS page 41
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 512-453-0884 www.girlschoir.com Ages 8 – 16 Austin Girls Choir camps include instruction on vocal skills, note reading,
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YMCA of Austin
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. Bits, Bytes & Bots Computer Adventures Various Austin-Area locations 512-415-4120 www.austintx.bitsbytesbots.com Ages 6 – 14 Offering fun and educational weeklong, 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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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.
Central Texas Writing Camp San Marcos and Austin 512-245-3680 www.hr.txstate.edu/worklife/ familyfriendly Ages 6 – 18 Your camper will explore various writing styles, be inspired to explore new writing styles.
Challenger School Avery Ranch, Pond Springs and Round Rock 512-341-8000, 512-258-1299, 512-255-8844 www.challengerschool.com Ages PreK - 8th grade Our students learn to think for themselves and to value independence. Results are unmatched.
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, office training, goal setting, arts and crafts and a new, optional performance recital on Thursday evening of each week. Camp Doublecreek 800 Doublecreek Dr., Round Rock 512-255-3661 www.campdoublecreek.com Ages 4 – 14 Camp Doublecreek is Austin/Round Rock’s Best Day Camp for 45+ years. It is an activity-based camp with free transportation from 12 different locations. 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. Pick us up at HEB, Whole Foods and Central Market
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2017 SUMMER CAMP GUIDE 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 STEM-focused camps are a fun, creative way to develop real 21st century skills. Imagine. Code. Play! Country Home Learning Center 6900 Escarpment Blvd., Austin 512-288-8220 13120 U.S. Hwy. 183 N., Austin 512-331-1441 www.countryhomelearningcenter.com Ages 5 - 13
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Children must have finished grade K to attend our summer camp program and field trips. (All ages, starting at 6 weeks, accepted for our year-round program.) Join us for an incredible summer camp experience, featuring child approved special events, exciting weekly field trips and kids’ choice special interest clubs. Dance Discovery Central Austin and Avery Ranch 512-419-7611, 512-658-2996 www.dancediscovery.com www.averyranchdance.com Ages 3 - 14 Various themed camps include storytime ballet, jazz, hip hop, gymnastics, musical theatre and drama-set design. Each camp week ends with a great show! Digital Media Locations in Austin 866-656-3342 www.digitalmedia.com Ages 6 - 17 Empowering the next generation of tech makers + thinkers. Learn programming,
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2017 SUMMER CAMP GUIDE filmmaking, music production, robotics and more. DroneGenius Camp Seven area locations 512-945-0742 www.dronegenius.org Ages 8 - 12 Learn STEM and team-building skills through drone exercises. Estancia Art Camp 12703 Hwy 71, Bee Caves 512-580-2999
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
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www.estanciaart.com Ages 4 and up Kids are introduced to plaster sculpture, acrylic painting on canvas and wet clay. Great art experiences. Extend-A-Care for Kids Summer Day Camp Locations in AISD, DVISD and HCISD 512-472-9402 www.eackids.org Ages 3 - 12 Weekly sessions consisting of sports, field trips, swimming, cooking, games and puzzles, reading, arts and crafts and more. Weekly themes are based on children’s literature. 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
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development, robotics, circuits and stop motion animation. Fusion Academy Austin 4701 Bee Caves Rd., Austin 512-330-0188 www.fusionsummerclass.com Grades 6 - 12 Finally, a summer school that won’t take away your summer fun! Catch up, get ahead or try something new. All taught one-to-one: one student to one teacher, always.
Girlstart Summer Camp 1400 W. Anderson Ln., Austin 512-916-4775 www.girlstart.org Rising 4th - 8th grades Girlstart summer camp allows girls to explore science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) in a fun, informal environment and equips them with STEM skills they will use for life. Girlstart’s camp provides unique experiences that develop a strong conceptual understanding of STEM subjects and
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2017 SUMMER CAMP GUIDE increase participants’ interest in STEM activities and careers. Heartsong 2700 W. Anderson Ln., Austin 512-371-9506 www.heartsongmusic.net Ages up to 9 Join us spring and summer for our Music Together classes for children and their caregivers.
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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.
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
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. Themebased 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. Kids Kitchen 1514 Dandridge Dr., Cedar Park 512-799-8301 www.txkidskitchen.com Ages 4 and up Kids Kitchen camps are designed to spark children’s curiosity and creativity in the kitchen. Weekly themes include math, science and art. Come cook with us! Kids With Pens East and South Austin 323-807-3672 www.kidswithpens.org Ages 8 - 14 Campers craft stories, poems and plays. This summer we’re offering a new graphic novel class. All campers will be published on the Kids With Pens blog. Pick us up at HEB, Whole Foods and Central Market
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2017 SUMMER CAMP GUIDE p.m. Girls will learn valuable media and tech skills, produce multimedia projects and express themselves in a welcoming environment. Layla y la Ballena Spanish Immersion 8707 Mountain Crest Dr., Austin 2700 W. Anderson Ln., Austin 107 Ranch Rd. 620 S. #200, Lakeway. 512-299-5731, 512-299-5732, 512-466-2409 www.austinbilingualschool.com Ages 2 – 11 Children join together to make the story “Leyla y la Ballena” come to life. Every week is dedicated to a theme, which is taught in an enthusiastic, fun-filled environment. Little Medical School 10691 RR 2222, Ste. R189, Austin 512-271-2002 x800 www.littlemedicalschool.com Ages 6 - 10 Little Medical School brings medicine, science, and the importance of health to
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children in an entertaining, exciting, and fun way. 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.
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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, noncompetitive and competitive swimming around. Learn to wakeboard, kneeboard and water-ski in a fun, supportive environment from our experienced and professional staff. No equipment or experience is necessary.
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.
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
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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 1315, 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.
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2017 SUMMER CAMP GUIDE Spicewood Country Camp 6102 Spicewood Springs Rd., Austin 512-346-2992 www.spicewoodcountry.com Ages 3½ – 10 Nine shady acres in northwest Austin with animals, music, swimming, crafts, sports and horseback riding. St. 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 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,
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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/andersonmill-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. 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.
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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 field trips, swimming, games and more in a character rich environment with the YMCA of Austin.
Westlake Chinese Academy Language and Arts Camp 1460 Redbud Tr., West Lake Hills 737-247-1533 www.westlakechineseacademy.org Ages 4 - 18 Learn Chinese in an immersive language environment through arts, games, singing and more. Includes Chinese calligraphy, water coloring, paper cutting, origami and traditional music instruments.
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2017 SUMMER CAMP GUIDE YMCA Williamson County Hutto 512-846-2360, Burnet 512-756-6180, Cedar Park 512-250-9622, Round Rock 512-615-5563 www.ymcagwc.org Outdoor Adventure Camps K - 8th grade, Excursion Camps K - 6th grade, Specialty Camps K - 8th grade, Kinder Camps, 3 years - K At the Y, we offer a wide array of summer camp options and activities that are designed to make summer fun, exciting, convenient and safe.
OVERNIGHT camps Camp Forest Glen 34 Forest Glen Rd. Huntsville 936-295-7641 www.forestglen.org All ages Through outdoor learning kids learn to respect nature and create team building skills. “Providing an environment where people can encounter God.” Kidventure Overnight Safari, Echo, and APEX Hunt, Rocksprings, and Pecos River 512-263-8992 www.kidventure.com Safari for ages 8 – 12, Echo 13 – 16 and APEX 17 – 18 Kidventure provides kids with opportunities to learn important life lessons through adventure, teamwork and just pure fun. Sugar & Spice Ranch Camp Bandera, TX 830-460-8487
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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/outbacktexas-adventure-camp Ages 9 - 16 Don’t think of coming to the “Outback” Adventure Camp unless you are looking for an action packed, exciting week of fun and adventurous challenges. 50-foot swings, canoeing, zipline, rock climbing and more.
A Twin Lakes Overnight Camp 204 E. Little Elm Tr., Cedar Park Grades 3rd - 8th New cabins have bathrooms and A/C. Experienced counselors, nutritious meals and new friends. All the activities you love and a whole lot more!
Special Needs Camps Inquiring Minds 3901 Shoal Creek Blvd., Austin 512-203-4540 www.inquiringminds-austin.org Ages 4 - 13 A program for gifted students to explore diverse subjects through an integrated, hands-on approach.
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May
2017
calendar
Compiled by BETTY KEMPER
Museum Exhibits pg 42
•
Family Events pg 42
•
Parenting Events pg 45
++ Denotes event occurs on multiple dates
Museum Exhibits NINA KATCHADOURIAN: CURIOUSER
Through June 11. Blanton Museum, 200 E. MLK Blvd. blantonmuseum.org or 512-471-5482.
PURCHASED LIVES
Through July 9. Bullock Museum, 1800 N. Congress Ave. thestoryoftexas.com or 512-936-8746.
STORIES TO TELL
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.
FINDING REFUGE IN AUSTIN
Through Sep. 10. Austin History Center, 810 Guadalupe St. library.austintexas.gov or 512-974-7480.
MERCI, TEXAS
Through Dec. 31. Texas Capitol Visitors Center, 1100 Congress Ave. tspb.state.tx.us or 512-463-4630.
Family Events TUESDAY 2
ROUND ROCK EXPRESS VS NASHVILLE++
7 p.m. Dell Diamond, 3400 E. Palm Val ley Blvd., Round Rock. roundrockexpress.com or 512-255-2255.
STARRY NIGHTS
5:30 to 7 p.m. Girlstart, 1400 W. Anderson Ln. FREE. girlstart.org or 512-916-4775.
UNPLUGGED AT THE GROVE ++
8 p.m. Shady Grove, 1624 Barton Springs Rd. FREE. kgsr.com or 512-474-9991.
MOVIE: A LEAGUE OF THEIR OWN
8:30 p.m. Northwest District Park, 700 Ardath St. FREE. austinparks.org. CONTINUING: Round Rock Express vs Nashville Sounds see Tuesday 2.
FRIDAY 5
BIG BABY BASH AND TODDLER JAM
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Toybrary, 7817 Rockwood Ln #101. $15 per person.
PIONEER DAYS
10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Williamson Museum, 716 S. Austin Ave., Georgetown. FREE. williamsonmuseum.org or 512-943-1670.
BLACKLAND PRAIRIE DAYS
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Downtown Taylor. FREE. ci.taylor.tx.gov or 512-352-3463.
VIOLET CROWN FESTIVAL
CONCERTS IN THE PARK
7 to 10 p.m. Milburn Park, 1901 Sun Chase Blvd., Cedar Park. FREE. cedarparktexas.gov or 512-401-5500.
JJ’S ARCADE ++
7 p.m. Barrientos Mexican American Culture Center, 600 River St. $15 adult.
MOVIES IN THE PARK: QUEEN OF KATWE
8:30 p.m. Robin Bledsoe Park, 601 S. Bagdad Rd., Leander. FREE. leandertx.gov.
STAR PARTY ++
9 p.m. Texas Museum of Science and Technology, 1220 Toro Grande Dr., Cedar Park. FREE. txmost.org or 512-961-5333. CONTINUING: Round Rock Express vs Nashville Sounds see Tuesday 2; Sprouts see Wednesday 3.
SATURDAY 6
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Brentwood Park, 6710 Arroyo Seco. FREE. violetcrowncommunity.org or 512-914-2917.
CELEBRASIA AUSTIN
11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Asian American Resource Center, 8401 Cameron Rd. FREE. austintexas.gov/aarc or 512-974-1700.
PECAN STREET FESTIVAL
11 a.m. to 10 p.m. 6th Street, Austin. FREE. oldpecanstreetfestival.com or 512-217-9404.
GIANT CHESS ++
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 MATINEE: STAR TREK BEYOND
CINCO DE MAYO
12 to 9 p.m. Fiesta Gardens Park, IH 35 and Lady Bird Lake, cincodemayoaustin.com.
LEMONADE DAY
2 p.m. University Hills Branch Library, 4721 Loyola Ln. FREE. library.austintexas.gov or 512-974-9940.
JJ’S ARCADE ++
2 and 7 p.m. Barrientos Mexican American Culture Center, 600 River St. $15 adult.
All day. All over Austin. FREE. austin.lemonadeday.org.
SYMPHONY CONCERT
CONGENITAL HEART WALK
WEDNESDAY 3
8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Travis County Expo Center, 7311 Decker Lane. FREE.
10 to 11 a.m. Wildflower Center, 4801 La Crosse Ave. FREE with admission. wildflower.org or 512-232-0100.
8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Central Plaza, 301 W. Bagdad, Round Rock. FREE. roundrocktexas.gov or 512-924-2327.
SPROUTS ++
Springs Dr., San Marcos. $6. meadowswater.org or 512-245-7590.
ROUND ROCK MARKET DAYS
2 to 3 p.m. Bethany Lutheran Church, 3701 W. Slaughter Ln. FREE. 512-922-9054.
MUSICAL KALEIDOSCOPE CONCERT
4 p.m. Oak Hill United Methodist Church, 7815 W. Hwy. 290. FREE. classicalmusicfortheworld.org.
ROUND ROCK EXPRESS VS OK CITY ++
STORIES AND MUSIC IN MOTION
MADRONE CANYON HIKE
7 p.m. Dell Diamond, 3400 E. Palm Valley Blvd., Round Rock. roundrockexpress.com or 512-255-2255.
COMMUNITY NIGHT ++
MUDDY MILER FAMILY ADVENTURE
SUNDAY 7
NATURE PLAY PRE-K DAY
11 to 11:45 a.m. Playland Skate Center, 8822 McCann Dr, Austin. $8. playlandskatecenter.com or 512-452-1901.
11 to 11:45 a.m. Ballet Austin, 501 W. 3rd St. $15. balletaustin.org or 512-501-8704. 5 to 8 p.m. The Thinkery, 1830 Simond Ave. By donation. thinkeryaustin.org or 512-469-6218. CONTINUING: Round Rock Express vs Nashville Sounds see Tuesday 2.
THURSDAY 4
LIVING HISTORY DAYS
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bullock Museum, 1800 N. Congress Ave. FREE for those pre-registered. thestoryoftexas.com or 512-936-8746.
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8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Laura’s Library, 9411 Bee Cave Rd. FREE. westbanklibrary.com or 512-327-3045. 8:30 to 11 a.m. Old Settlers Park, 3300 E. Palm Valley Blvd., Round Rock. FREE with registration. roundrocktexas.gov. 10 to 11:15 a.m. Meadows Center, 951 Aquarena
FREE SKATE LESSONS ++
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. View the magazine online at l austinfamily.com
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FREE FIRST SUNDAYS
CONTINUING: Community Night see Wednesday 3; Sprouts see Wednesday 3.
ROUND ROCK EXPRESS VS OK CITY
THURSDAY 11
MUSEUM TOUR
10 a.m. Bullock Museum, 1800 N. Congress Ave. FREE with admission. thestoryoftexas.com.
12 to 5 p.m. Bullock Museum, 1800 N. Congress Ave. FREE. thestoryoftexas.com or 512-936-8746. 1 p.m. Dell Diamond, 3400 E. Palm Valley Blvd., Round Rock. roundrockexpress.com or 512-255-2255. 1 to 4 p.m. Heritage House Museum, 901 Old Austin-Hutto Rd., Pflugerville. FREE. pflugervilletx.gov or 512-990-6377.
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 ++
LITTLE TEXANS
TEXAS GUITAR QUARTET AND GABRIEL SANTIAGO 8 p.m. Cactus Cafe, UT Campus. $10. austinclassicalguitar.org. CONTINUING: Unplugged at the Grove see Thursday 4.
1 to 5:30 p.m. Pflugerville Library, 1008 W. Pfluger St., Pflugerville. FREE. pflugervilletx.gov or 512-990-6375.
FRIDAY 12
BLUEGRASS JAM
9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. The Long Center, 701 W. Riverside Drive. $12. pollyannatheatrecompany.org or 512-743-7966.
2 to 4 p.m. Leander Library, 1011 South Bagdad, Leander. FREE. leandertx.gov or 512-259-5259. CONTINUING: Courthouse Tours see Saturday 6; JJ’s Arcade see Saturday 6; Cinco de Mayo 2017 see Saturday 6; Spring Pecan Street Festival see Saturday 6.
MONDAY 8
CONTINUING: Round Rock Express vs Oklahoma City see Saturday 6.
TUESDAY 9
FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT: STORKS
6:30 p.m. Twin Oaks Branch Library, 1800 S. 5th St. FREE. library.austintexas.gov or 512-974-9980. CONTINUING: Round Rock Express vs Oklahoma City see Saturday 6.
WEDNESDAY 10 MOVIE: SING
2 p.m. Windsor Park Branch Library, 5833 Westminster Dr. FREE. library.austintexas.gov or 512-974-9840.
PLAYING POSSUM ++
FRIDAY MATINEE: PETE’S DRAGON
3 p.m. Old Quarry Branch Library, 7051 Village Center Dr. FREE. library.austintexas.gov or 512-974-8860. CONTINUING: Sprouts see Wednesday 3; Star Party see Friday 5.
SATURDAY 13
GAULT ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE TOURS
9 a.m. Williamson Museum, 716 S. Austin Ave., Georgetown. $10. williamsonmuseum.org or 512-943-1670.
UMLAUF KIDS KRAFT
9 to 10:30 a.m. Umlauf Sculpture Garden, 605 Robert E. Lee Rd. $10 members. umlaufsculpture. org or 512-445-5582.
70TH BIRTHDAY SPLASH
9 to 11 a.m. Barton Springs Pool, 2201 Barton
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Springs Rd. FREE. bartonspringsconservancy.org or 512-834-7079.
GUIDED HIKES AT BRIGHT LEAF
9 to 11 a.m. Bright Leaf Preserve, 2222 and Creek Mountain Rd. brightleaf.org or 512-459-7269.
MARCH FOR BABIES
9:30 a.m. Old Settlers Park, 3300 E. Palm Valley Blvd., Round Rock. FREE. marchforbabies.org.
DÍA DE LAS MADRES
10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Main St. Plaza, 221 E. Main St., Round Rock. FREE.
HANDS ON HISTORY
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Williamson Museum, 716 S. Austin Ave., Georgetown. FREE. williamsonmuseum.org or 512-943-1670.
TOUCH A TRUCK
10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Camp Mabry, 2200 W. 35th St. $5. safeaustin.org.
AUSTIN MAKER FAIRE++
10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Palmer Events Center, 900 Barton Springs Rd. $9 and up. austin.makerfaire.com.
PUN-OFF WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS
11 a.m. Brush Square, O. Henry Museum, 409 E. Fifth St. FREE. punpunpun.com or 512-472-1903.
UMLAUF KIDS KRAFT
11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Umlauf Sculpture Garden, 605 Robert E. Lee Rd. $10 members. umlaufsculpture.org or 512-445-5582.
SECOND SATURDAYS
11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Laguna Gloria, 3809 W. 35th St. FREE. thecontemporaryaustin.org or 512-458-8191.
FAMILY DAYS
12 to 4 p.m. Umlauf Sculpture Garden, 605 Robert E. Lee Rd. FREE. umlaufsculpture.org or 512-445-5582.
PLAYING POSSUM ++
2 p.m. The Long Center, 701 W. Riverside Drive. $12. pollyannatheatrecompany.org or 512-743-7966.
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SATURDAY MOVIE MATINEE: JASON BOURNE
2 p.m. University Hills Branch Library, 4721 Loyola Ln. FREE. library.austintexas.gov or 512-974-9940.
BEE-TWEENS GAME TIME
2 to 3 p.m. Bee Cave Library, 4000 Galleria Pkwy, Bee Cave. FREE. beecavetexas.com or 512-579-2931.
BOOKSPRING INTO SUMMER
2 to 4 p.m. The Arboretum, 10000 Arboretum Blvd. FREE. bookspring.org or 512-472-1791. CONTINUING: Courthouse Tours see Saturday 6; Giant Chess see Saturday 6.
SUNDAY 14
FREE. leandertx.gov. CONTINUING: Playing Possum see Friday 12; Sprouts see Wednesday 3; Star Party see Friday 5.
MONDAY 22
SATURDAY 20
TUESDAY 23
SUMMER KICKOFF
10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Lakeway Activity Center, 105 Cross Creek Rd., Lakeway. FREE. lakeway-tx.gov.
REDBUD ARTISAN MARKET
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dripping Springs Ranch Park, 29401 RR 12 N., Dripping Springs. $1. 512-858-7892.
THURSDAY 25
MOTHER’S DAY AT THE CAPITAL
PLAYING POSSUM
11 a.m. The Long Center, 701 W. Riverside Drive. $12. pollyannatheatrecompany.org or 512-743-7966.
WEDNESDAY 17
CONTINUING: Community Night see Wednesday 3; Sprouts see Wednesday 3.
THURSDAY 18
SCIENCE THURSDAY
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bullock Museum, 1800 N. Congress Ave. FREE. thestoryoftexas.com or 512-936-8746.
WEDNESDAY 24
FRONT PORCH DAYS
12 to 6 p.m. Plum Creek, Kyle. FREE. frontporchdays.com.
MONDAY 15
7 p.m. Dell Diamond, 3400 E. Palm Valley Blvd., Round Rock. roundrockexpress.com or 512-255-2255.
CONTINUING: Community Night see Wednesday 3; Round Rock Express vs Las Vegas see Tuesday 23; Sprouts see Wednesday 3.
11 a.m. to 6 p.m. German Texan Heritage Society, 507 E. 10th St. $10. germantexans.org.
7 to 8 p.m. Texas State Capital, South Steps. FREE. austinsymphonicband.org or 512-956-7420. CONTINUING: Courthouse Tours see Saturday 6; Free Skate Lessons see Sunday 7; Game On! Board Games see Sunday 7; Playing Possum see Saturday 13; Austin Maker Faire see Saturday 13.
ROUND ROCK EXPRESS VS LAS VEGAS ++
MAIFEST AND KINDERFEST
MOTHER’S DAY MOMS SK8 FOR FREE
12 to 5 p.m. Playland Skate Center, 8822 McCann Dr. $8. playlandskatecenter.com or 512-452-1901.
CONTINUING: Round Rock Express vs Salt Lake see Friday 19.
ROUND ROCK EXPRESS VS SALT LAKE ++
6 p.m. Dell Diamond, 3400 E. Palm Valley Blvd., Round Rock. roundrockexpress.com or 512-255-2255. CONTINUING: Courthouse Tours see Saturday 6; Deutschen Pfest see Friday 19; Family Farm Days see Saturday 6; Giant Chess see Saturday 6; Playing Possum see Saturday 13; Old Towne Street Festival see Friday 19.
SUNDAY 21
ROUND ROCK EXPRESS VS SALT LAKE ++
1 p.m. Dell Diamond, 3400 E. Palm Valley Blvd., Round Rock. roundrockexpress.com or 512-255-2255. CONTINUING: Courthouse Tours see Saturday 6; Deutschen Pfest see Friday 19; Free Skate Lessons see Sunday 7; Game On! Board Games see Sunday 7; Playing Possum see Saturday 13.
CULTURE NIGHTS
6:30 to 8:30 p.m. AGE Cafeteria, 3710 Cedar St. FREE. austinpowwow.net. CONTINUING: Round Rock Express vs Las Vegas see Tuesday 23; Unplugged at the Grove see Thursday 4.
FRIDAY 26
CONTINUING: Round Rock Express vs Las Vegas see Tuesday 23; Sprouts see Wednesday 3; Star Party see Friday 5.
SATURDAY 27
WOODLAND FAERIE TRAIL ++
7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Zilker Botanical Garden, 2220 Barton Springs Rd. FREE with admission. zilkergarden.org or 512-477-8672. CONTINUING: Giant Chess see Saturday 6; Courthouse Tours see Saturday 6.
SUNDAY 28
CONTINUING: Courthouse Tours see Saturday 6; Free Skate Lessons see Sunday 7; Game On! Board
THIRD THURSDAYS
10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Blanton Museum of Art, 200 E. MLK Blvd. FREE. blantonmuseum. org or 512-471-5482.
HOMESCHOOL MEETUP
1 to 2:30 p.m. Leander Library, 1011 S. Bagdad Rd., Leander. FREE. leandertx.gov or 512-259-5259.
MOVIES IN THE PARK: ALADDIN EN ESPAÑOL
8:45 p.m. Dove Springs Rec Center, 5801 Ainez St. FREE. CONTINUING: Unplugged at the Grove see Thursday 4; Playing Possum see Friday 12.
FRIDAY 19
DEUTSCHEN PFEST ++
5 to 11 p.m. Pfluger Park, 515 City Park Rd., Pflugerville. $5. pflugervilletx.gov.
OLD TOWN STREET FESTIVAL
5 to 9 p.m. Old Town Leander, 100 N. Brushy St., Leander. FREE. oldtownstreetfestival.com.
ROUND ROCK EXPRESS VS SALT LAKE ++ 7 p.m. Dell Diamond, 3400 E. Palm Valley Blvd., Round Rock. roundrockexpress.com or 512-255-2255.
MOVIES IN THE PARK
8:30 p.m. Robin Bledsoe Park, 601 S. Bagdad Rd., Leander.
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Games see Sunday 7; Woodland Faerie Trail see Saturday 27.
MONDAY 29 Memorial Day
MEMORIAL DAY SKATE
12 to 6 p.m. Playland Skate Center, 8822 McCann Dr, Austin. $8. playlandskatecenter.com or 512-452-1901. CONTINUING: Woodland Faerie Trail see Saturday 27.
TUESDAY 30
CONTINUING: Woodland Faerie Trail see Saturday 27.
The City of Austin offers free car seat checks and Safe Baby Academy classes throughout the year at a variety of locations in the Central Texas area. Appointments and reservations are required. For dates and locations, email emspubed@austintexas.gov or call 512-972-SAFE (7233). La Leche League of Central Texas hosts nine regular meetings in addition to play dates and gatherings in Austin, Round Rock, Killeen/Temple, Bryan-College Station and Waco. All breastfeeding mothers, babies and mothers-to-be are welcome to attend. Texaslll.org.
WEDNESDAY 31
YMCA offers a free Childhood Obesity Intervention Program on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays throughout the month. Various locations. austinymca.org or 512-236-9622.
Parenting Events
SATURDAY 6
CONTINUING: Sprouts see Wednesday 3; Community Night see Wednesday 3; Woodland Faerie Trail see Saturday 27.
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.
FREE NAMI CLASS FOR PARENTS OF CHILDREN WITH BEHAVIORAL AND MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES ++
10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Central Health Center, 2901 Montopolis Dr. FREE. namiaustin.org or 512-420-9810.
THURSDAY 11
PFLUGERVILLE SENIORS CONFERENCE
9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Pflugerville Community Church, 1214 E. Pfenning Ln., Pflugerville. FREE with registration. TinyURL.com/PVilleConf2017 or 512-600-9275.
Pick us up at HEB, Whole Foods and Central Market
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SMART SCREEN TIME As we barrel toward a scorching summer, KLRU PBS Kids has some tips for keeping kids cool and engaged in fun, high-quality experiences: •
All 300+ entries from our Writers Contest for grades K-3 are posted at klrukids.org. (Scroll down and click on the contest logo.) It’s great browsing for all ages and a strong motivator for kids to write their own stories. Our annual Writers Contest Celebration, a free and public reading of the top entries, takes place on May 13, 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at the Ruiz branch of the Austin Public Library. • K lrukids.org is now streaming the new PBS KIDS 24/7 channel. Unlike TV viewing, the computer platform lets viewers click on educational games and other hands-on activities that extend learning. This option to “jump out” of programs and into other activities will soon be part of the PBS KIDS Video app for tablets and phones, as well. • P lease make a family plan for daily reading all summer. The best part of summer reading is the element of choice. If you can’t get to a library or bookstore, check out the following ways to access free ebooks: Martha’s Stories on PBSKids. org, Overdrive from the Austin Public Library and Open eBooks from the New York Public Library. • G et ready to turn off devices when you see screen zombies in your house. Stay back – they may bite! Ben Kramer, PhD, is the vice president of educational services for KLRU-TV, Austin PBS.
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KID ONE Pressed Flowers
Mother’s Day takes place Sunday, May 14. What better way to connect with your mother than through Mother Nature? Flower presses are an easy and creative way to spend time with mom and make some beautiful keepsakes.
You can buy a small flower press or make your own. Pressed flowers can be kept in a book or used in an art project. Here are some ideas for what you can make with your pressed flowers: 1. U se them to spell out MOM on some pretty paper for wall art 2. Decorate a greeting card 3. Make a Petal Person 4. Arrange them in a shadow box 5. Make bookmarks 6. Stick them on the sides of candles How many other things can you think of to make with pressed flowers? Find flowers from your own garden or ask a neighbor if they’d be okay with you picking some from their garden. Don’t pick flowers from roadsides! It’s dangerous to stop on the side of the road, and picking the flowers there means other people won’t get to enjoy seeing them.
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doctors
Dr. Kimberly Albert, ADC Steiner Ranch Dr. Kimberly Albert received her medical degree from University of California in San Francisco and completed her pediatric residency at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, TX. She is board certified in pediatrics. Dr. Albert joined ADC in 1998 and has been recognized as by Best Doctors, Inc since 2005. See ad on page 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 23 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 23 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
VOTING CLOSES MAY 15!
25th Anniversary
If you’d like to take photos of flowers instead, the Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center grows over 100 species of local flowers. Have fun, and let your creativity bloom! Terra Toys has been providing Austin with classic, fun and beautiful toys, gifts, books and treats for over 35 years.
Pick us up at HEB, Whole Foods and Central Market
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BY CA R R I E TAY LO R
Anthem of a Soggy Mom
I follow a few moms on Instagram whom I would describe as “crunchy.” If you’re not familiar with the term, it’s used to describe a lifestyle involving a lot of health foods (like granola, hence the epithet), general respect and enthusiasm for the environment and nature, and—in the case of my Instagram friends—dark magic abilities that get kids to eat chia seeds. I have nothing against crunchy moms. I admire them! But I’m the complete opposite. I guess that makes me… soggy? I’m the mom who uses disposable diapers because I can barely keep up with my own laundry (and I’m not fond of hand washing feces out of cotton, no matter how soft and gentle the weave). I’m the mom who feeds my child grilled cheese every
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meal for days because I get worn out over the mind game that is mealtime with a toddler. I’m the mom whose shopping cart is devoid of anything organic except Goldfish, which doesn’t really mean anything, plus the kid can somehow sense he’s missing out on the real artificial cheese flavor and he doesn’t eat them anyway. I’m the mom who wears yoga pants because I don’t enjoy holding my jeans up with a hair tie at five months post-partum. I’m the mom who doesn’t co-sleep. Not because I don’t love my children being close, but because night time is the only time I can pee alone, eat alone, stare at the wall alone and lay in bed alone. (Yes, the husband is there, but he knows by now to not cross the border unless he wants some Donald Trump-level consequences.) So, here’s to us, Soggy Moms. Let’s raise a mug of lukewarm coffee that’s definitely not fair trade and probably comes in a large aluminum can. af Carrie Taylor is a freelance writer and mother of two boys.
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