austinfamily
FREE®
SEPTEMBER 2016
smart parenting • healthy homes
Serving Austin’s Families Since 1992
Should you Coach Your Child’s Team?
10
Tips for Museum Day!
Rock Your Parent-Teacher Conference Discover Austin's Own Kid Science Podcast
CONTEST 2017
ARTÍCULOS EN ESPAÑOL
INSIDE!
AFTERSCHOOL ACTIVITY GUIDE I YOUNG WRITERS CONTEST
Pick us up at HEB, Whole Foods and Central Market
September 2016 l austinfamily.com
1
2
September 2016 l austinfamily.com
View the magazine online at austinfamily.com
Visit our advertisers.
WWW.SPIRIT1059.COM
Pick us up at HEB, Whole Foods and Central Market
September 2016 l austinfamily.com
3
SEPTEMBER 2016
smart parenting • healthy homes
16
18
Now Hear This
columns 14 Family Connections
I Spy: The Latest Options in Security at Your Front Door
21 Ten Things…
For Self-Improvement Month!
26 Lifelines
Coaching Your Child’s Team
10 Tips for Rocking the ParentTeacher Conference
en español
34 Museum Exhibits 34 Family Events 40 Parenting Events 40 Story Times
32 Recordando Mis Raíces
Día de la Independencia
33 Asuntos Familiares
El Acosador Regresa
45 Piensa Positivo
Atraes Lo Que Eres, No Lo Que Deseas
in every issue
30 Family Matters
7
31 Remembering My Roots
8 Around Austin 47 Kidzone
The Bully Returns Mexico’s Independence Day
48 Just for Grins
FILM REVIEWS
Play It Safe Product recalls
by Jack Kyser
Get the scoop from our resident film critic, Jack Kyser! Watch Jack’s video reviews at austinfamily.com/category/films.
Shoebox Creations!
Sippy Cup Lessons
tune in
9 Cover Kids Contest 13 Young Writers Contest 2016 24 Afterschool Activity Guide 46 Focus on Doctors
Catch Austin Family live on “Good Day Austin” every Friday morning and “Despierta Austin” the first Friday morning of each month.
Pick us up at HEB, Whole Foods and Central Market
This month’s review:
"Kubo and the Two Strings"
extras follow us
Museum Day
calendar
Is This Playground Safe?
28 Learning Curve
22
On the Cover
Lucas is looking forward to a great fall season of soccer!
austinfamily FREE
smart parenting • healthy homes
Coaching Your Child’s Team?
Find the article on pg 18!
New items each week. Visit our Cover photographed website to register. by Nichole Renee
®
Serving Austin’s Families Since 1992
10
Tips for Museum Day!
Rock Your Parent-Teacher Conference Discover Austin's Own Kid Science Podcast
CONTEST 2017
ARTÍCULOS EN ES-
INSIDE!
AFTERSCHOOL ACTIVITY GUIDE I YOUNG WRITERS CONTEST
September 2016 l austinfamily.com
5
austinfamily September 2016
Volume 24, No. 6
PUBLISHER
Kaye K. Lowak
W
hat a great month this is shaping up to be! You won’t want to miss Austin Museum Day on Sept. 18. You’ll have access to a full raft of free exhibits all over town. As a companion, read Denise Yearian’s article about ways to engage little minds before, during and after your visit.
With a new school year underway, you’ve no doubt established some new routines. One you might consider is listening to podcasts in the car. We talked with the founders of Tumble about their mission of making science accessible to kids. Their short segments are perfectly timed for a short ride to school or the gym. Our Afterschool Activity Guide can assist you in making decisions about extracurriculars. And speaking of extracurriculars, should you volunteer to coach the team? Margaret Nicklas’s article guides you through the ins and outs of wearing a whistle. It’s also the time of year when Austin Family magazine offers two amazing contests. Our Cover Kids Contest gives six area kids the chance to grace one of our covers in 2017. And our Young Writers Contest encourages local 4th and 5th graders to submit an essay. We’re giving away two Kindles as prizes! Have a lovely September,
EDITOR
Sherida Mock: editor2003@austinfamily.com
COPY EDITOR Paula Halloum
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, Jennifer VanBuren, Carrie Taylor, Brenda Schoolfield, Rocio Barbosa, Margaret Nicklas, Denise Yearian
TRANSLATION TEAM
Maribel Ruvalcaba, Margo Vogelpohl
ART DIRECTORS
Layout Designer: Nichole Fuller Ad Designer: Nichole Fuller nr2003@austinfamily.com
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Nichole Renee
ADVERTISING SALES
Kaye K. Lowak: kaye2003@austinfamily.com
BUSINESS & DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Greg Lowak: greg@austinfamily.com
We are dedicated to serving the Greater Austin area by providing up-to-date information and ideas that promote smart parenting and healthy homes. We promote our clients’ businesses by increasing their customer bases and enhancing their public images. Austin Family is published monthly by KKKemper Inc. Mail Address:
P.O. Box 7559 Round Rock, Texas 78683-7559
Phone Number:
Tel:512-733-0038
On the web at:
www.austinfamily.com
Advertising rates are available upon request. While we use great care in creating our display ads, mistakes can happen. Austin Family and the publisher are not liable for any damages arising from any typographical or mechanical errors beyond the cost of the ad. Austin Family does not necessarily endorse any of the advertisers, products or services listed in this publication. We do not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Subscriptions are available for $30 per year. Copyright 2016. All rights reserved. No portion of Austin Family may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher.
6
September 2016 l austinfamily.com
View the magazine online at austinfamily.com
Visit our advertisers.
Play it product recalls
safe
Government Recalls Water Bottles, Hoverboards and Safety Gates GSI Outdoors is recalling about 6,700 children’s water bottles because the lead solder at the exterior base of the bottle contains high levels of lead. Lead is toxic if ingested by young children and can cause adverse health issues. The recall involves five styles of children’s insulated water bottles with printed graphics. The bottles are 13.5 ounces in capacity with the following color prints: Dino Bones, Flower Power, Orange Grid Camo, Purple Tie Dye Butterfly and Robo Shark. Affected units were sold at L.L.Bean retail stores, online at llbean.com and in L.L.Bean catalogs between July 2015 and May 2016 for about $20. Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled water bottles and contact L.L.Bean for a full refund. Ten companies are recalling about 501,000 hoverboards because the lithium-ion battery packs in the boards can overheat, posing a risk of the products smoking, catching fire and/or exploding. The recall involves self-balancing scooters with two wheels at either end of a platform. Affected units were sold under the brand names Hover-Way, Powerboard, Hype Roam, iMoto, Airwalk, Hovertrax, Swagway, Wheeli, 2Wheelz, Back to the Future, Mobile Tech, Hover Shark, NWS, X Glider and X Rider at mass merchandisers nationwide and online retailers between June 2015 and May 2016 for between $350 and $900. Consumers should immediately stop using these recalled products and contact the recalling company to return the hoverboards for a full refund, a free repair or a free replacement, depending on the model. Ikea is recalling about 80,000 safety gates and safety gate extensions because the locking mechanism can open unexpectedly, posing a fall hazard to children and other consumers. The recall involves Patrull, Patrull Fast and Patrull Klamma safety gates and safety gate extensions. Affected units were sold at Ikea stores nationwide and online at ikea-usa.com between August 1995 and June 2016 for between $10 and $60. Consumers should immediately stop using the safety gates and safety gate extensions and return them to any Ikea store for a full refund. af
The U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission works to protect the public from unreasonable risks of serious injury or death from more than 15,000 types of consumer products.
Pick us up at HEB, Whole Foods and Central Market
September 2016 l austinfamily.com
7
GO TO WWW.AUSTINFAMILY.COM FOR WEEKLY UPDATES OF AROUND AUSTIN NEWS Jazz Ash & the Leaping Lizards, KB Whirly and the Q Brothers, plus others. Dancing is strongly encouraged. In addition, kids can get punk hairdos and spray tattoos. The Drum Zone will run daily workshops, and free snacks will be given away by Lifeway ProBugs. Photo by Maria Russo of Sirenalia.
Mermaid Society Mermaids, once a common sight in San Marcos thanks to the wildly popular Aquarena Springs tourist destination, are about to make a big splash in San Marcos again. The Mermaid Society SMTX, which formed in January 2016, will hold its Mermaid Week of community events on Sept. 10-18. Mermaid Week pays tribute to San Marcos history while aiming to strengthen the community’s heritage, arts, river stewardship and local economy. Highlights include a Mermaid Parade followed by a Mermaid Splash on Sept. 17. For more information, visit mermaidsocietysmtx.com.
Austin Kiddie Limits includes a Drum Zone. Photo by Katrina Barber.
Texas Teen Book Festival
Edward’s University. In addition to author appearances, the festival offers writing workshops for aspiring young authors. The event is free and open to the public. Advance registration for the free writing workshops is recommended. Visit texasteenbookfestival.org for more information.
Austin Kiddie Limits includes a Drum Zone. Photo by Katrina Barber
Organizers say AKL will have a new location within Zilker Park that offers plenty of shade and a family entrance for easier entry into the festival grounds. Onstage performances will include Lucky Diaz and the Family Jam Band,
The annual event, in its eighth year, takes place on Saturday, Oct. 1, at St.
September 2016 l austinfamily.com
Practice your Aargh on Sept. 19, Talk Like a Pirate Day. Celebrate bees. It’s Honey Month.
The Texas Teen Book Festival will include such authors as Sabaa Tahir, Ally Carter, Jeffery Self, Traci Chee and John Corey Whaley. The festival also showcases local, Austin-based writers and authors who are releasing debut, breakout novels.
8
Pick a new read on Sept. 6, Read a Book Day.
With a ticketed adult, kids under the age of 10 are admitted to ACLFest free of charge. For more information, visit aclfestival.com.
Austin Kiddie Limits The Austin City Limits Music Festival isn’t just for grownups. The festival, running the weekends of Sept. 30-Oct. 2 and Oct. 7-9, offers Austin Kiddie Limits, an area devoted to family-friendly music, shade, activities and fun.
Must -Do This Month
Museum Days Two local opportunities for free museum admissions are coming to Austin in September. The Austin Museum Partnership holds its Austin Museum Day on Sunday, Sept. 18. Smithsonian Magazine holds its Museum Day Live! event on Saturday, Sept. 24.
View the magazine online at austinfamily.com
Visit our advertisers.
Austin Museum Day opens more than 35 area museums with free admission, guided tours, hands-on activities and more. Smithsonian’s Museum Day Live! involves participating museums across the U.S. and offers free admission to those holding a Museum Day Live! ticket. Last year, nearly 30,000 area residents visited their community museums on Austin Museum Day. “Austin Museum Day has become a treasured and muchanticipated ‘day of discovery’ when residents and visitors can seek out not only our flagship institutions, but also smaller hidden gems,” says Lani Gonzalez, co-chair of the Austin Museum Partnership. “We hope that a positive Museum Day experience will plant the seed for return visits.”
For a list of participating Austin Museum Day organizations, visit austinmuseums.org. To download a ticket and get more information about Smithsonian’s Museum Day Live!, visit smithsonianmag. com/museumday. The downloaded ticket is good for the ticket holder and one guest to receive free admission to one museum. Local participating museums include the Neill-Cochran House Museum and the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
continued on p. 10
By the Numbers
2005
Year Apple added podcasts to its iTunes store. Source: Apple.com
23%
Increase in podcast listeners from 2015 to 2016. Source: Edison Research
4 hours
Average podcast listening time per week. Source: Edison Research
Pick us up at HEB, Whole Foods and Central Market
September 2016 l austinfamily.com
9
Free Day of Yoga Enjoy a free day of yoga classes on Monday, Sept. 5, courtesy of a group of Austin area organizers. The classes will take place at yoga and dance studios, hospitals, parks, churches and fitness centers throughout the greater metro area. Organizers suggest that participants use the free day of yoga to try classes, meet instructors and experience a variety of styles of yoga. They say the benefits of practicing yoga include increasing flexibility and strength, improving balance, and relieving stress. “Because we offer such a wide variety of yoga teachers, styles and classes on Free Day of Yoga, there is a class for everyone,” says Mary Ester, organizer. Plan to arrive early and be prepared to remove your shoes. Bring your own yoga mat and wear loose, comfortable clothing. For more information about schedule and locations, visit freedayofyoga.com.
Free Day of Yoga happens Sept. 5. Photo by Russell Burns.
Adoption Services Expansion Austin-based Presbyterian Children's Homes and Services (PCHAS) hosted a luncheon in August to share news of its expanded adoption services in Austin and the surrounding area. The organization also has new locations in Wichita Falls and Dallas. The PCHAS adoption services team shared information about the PCHAS continuum of care and services to maternity clients, birth parents and adoptive families. President and CEO Ed Knight spoke about the agency’s #BirthMomStrong campaign and how PCHAS works to help Texas families grow. He says times are changing for
10
September 2016 l austinfamily.com
View the magazine online at austinfamily.com
Visit our advertisers.
adoption, and openness with birth parents and adoptive families is the new norm. “This is an exciting time for us,” says Knight. “We will be paying special attention to birth mothers as we expand to larger markets in Texas. We want birth mothers who are going through a very emotional time to know there is somewhere they can turn for emotional support and guidance.” PCHAS’ adoption program offers wrap-around services, which include counseling, guidance, adoption, help with proper legal process and education of all of the options available to birth parents and their adoptive families. For more information, visit adoption.pchas.org.
Adoption Specialist Colleen Howery addresses attendees at the PCHAS luncheon.
.........................
Character traits, such as grit or desire to learn, have a heavy hand in academic success and are partially rooted in genetics, according to a recent study from UT Austin.
.........................
Genetics and Character Traits
Though academic success is dependent on abilities such as logic and reasoning, researchers believe certain personality and character traits can motivate and drive learning. In a study in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, UT Austin Psychology Associate Professor Elliot Tucker-Drob found that genetic differences among people account for about half of the differences in their character, and that the remaining variation in character was influenced by factors outside of the home and school.
Pre-School: Ages 3-5 School: Ages 5-9 and growing
....................................................
512-266-9620
www.themagnoliaschoolatx.com info@themagnoliaschoolatx.com
.....................................
Pick us up at HEB, Whole Foods and Central Market
.................................................... ..................................
continued on p. 12
A fun, self-paced and individualized education ..................................
Twin studies compare similarities of identical and fraternal twins to estimate genetic influences on personality, interests, school grades and behavior problems. By comparing siblings, researchers learned that variance in a child’s
....................................................
.....................................
“Until now, parenting and schooling have been suggested as likely explanations for character, but our study suggests otherwise,” says Tucker-Drob, who examined academic achievement using data from 811 third- to eighth-grade twins and triplets.
Set in beautiful Lake Travis
September 2016 l austinfamily.com
11
Newsies is inspired by the real-life "Newsboy Strike of 1899,” when newsboy Kid Blink led a band of orphan and runaway newsies on a two-week action against Pulitzer, Hearst and other powerful newspaper publishers.
Sing for the JOY of it!
character could be attributed to unshared environmental effects.
Accepting new singers now!
"As with intelligence and personality, genetics form a sizable part of the basis for character,” says Tucker-Drob.
We’re scheduling placement auditions for all levels – join us!
In the study, genetics accounted for 69 percent of a person’s general character, with 31 percent accounted for by environmental influences.
While on Broadway, Newsies became the highest-grossing show of the 2011-12 season. The show received 23 major theatrical nominations, including eight Tony Award nominations. Tickets start at $25. For more information, visit broadwayinaustin.com. af
Newsies SERVING AUSTIN AREA GIRLS AGE 8-18 SINCE 1990 www.girlschoir.com 512-453-0884
12
A new musical produced by Disney Theatrical Productions visits Austin on Sept. 27 – Oct. 2 at Bass Concert Hall. Set in New York City at the turn of the century, Newsies is the tale of Jack Kelly, a charismatic newsboy who dreams of a better life far from the hardship of the streets.
September 2016 l austinfamily.com
Joey Barreiro (center) as Jack Kelly with the North American Tour company of Disney’s Newsies. © Disney. Photo by Deen van Meer.
View the magazine online at austinfamily.com
Visit our advertisers.
Axel B. Photography
PERFORMING ARTS SCHOOL Classes ❘ Camps ❘ Performances Classes begin September 19 ❘ Ages 3.5 - Grade 12 This project is funded and supported in part by a grant from the Texas Commission on the Arts and by the Cultural Arts Division of the City of Austin Economic Development Department.
zachtheatre.org /education ❘ 512- 476-0594 x236 Pick us up at HEB, Whole Foods and Central Market
September 2016 l austinfamily.com
13
I
BY RICHARD SINGLETON
SPY
The Latest Options in Security at Your Front Door
Let’s start with true confessions. There are two kinds of people in this world: those who answer their doors without hesitation, and those who recoil when the doorbell chimes. I’m a door half-closed kinda guy. Yeah, I’m that person. I might be overstating my loathsome relationship with the doorbell, but not by much. One grows weary of being cajoled by angel-faced fundraisers,
14
being lectured that your yard could use a toxic soup of spray-off laziness and being interrogated about how you and Jesus are getting along these days (very well, thank you). Enter the world of Wi-Fi security cameras built into your doorbell. What! Sure, closed circuit monitors have been around forever, but like so many other things, the IoT (the internet of things) is on the rise. And one of the devices making the transition from dumb to smart is at the doorbell. There are a growing buffet of companies that allow you to avoid solicitation while not missing out on your milliondollar Publishers Clearing House windfall. Maybe you’re more like the 99.9 percent of people who aren’t afraid of the dark or creeped out by having to meet strangers at the door. I get it. The IoT is for you, too. You can set up networked cameras to keep watch over your toddler, monitor your house while you’re on vacation and check on Fido or Whiskers while you’re at work. There are so many options.
September 2016 l austinfamily.com
Last summer, Time.com published “5 Reasons to Install a Home Webcam.”
Let’s look at the list: 1. Mind the door.
(I might be normal after all!) 2. Watch those dark corners. 3. Keep an eye on your garage. 4. Help mom and dad sleep like a baby. 5. Cancel the house-sitter. Pretty good list. I think they could have spent a bit more time on things that go bump in the night, but that’s just me. Now, let’s talk brands, options and goodies.
View the magazine online at austinfamily.com
Visit our advertisers.
So, what’s out there? Sky’s the limit really, but here are a few of the highly ranked choices to consider. First, the Icontrol Networks Piper nv. PC Magazine’s top choice for 2016, this camera has a sleek design, not too hefty price point of a skosh over $250 and a great corresponding app. Also, folks rating cams on Home Depot’s website give high marks to Nest Cam. The Nest brand is one that has become synonymous with cutting edge home technology. Perhaps that’s why the price tag runs about $100 more than the Piper. Or, it might be the classic case of “you get what you pay for.” Compare them closely and go with what suits your needs the best. Other well-known options are the Canary All-inOne and the NetGear Arlo. Both of these cams allow you to get going for less than $200, but be the careful shopper and make sure you don’t go in for something that you have to stuff back in the box. What are some key features that you might want to consider? As with any technology, they are diverse, changing and amazingly interesting. Long gone are the days of the grainy CCTV. Resolution is a key characteristic. We’ve all grown accustomed to HD everything. Look for a camera that will provide the clarity that you need. If it’s simple home security, lower might be okay, but if you’re trying to have an eagle eye on the precious faces of your furry friends, then obviously, you want to see it in crystal clear clarity of 1080p. More details emerge as you go deeper into your search. For instance, do you want two-way audio communication access? Some cameras feature night vision. And, for some that will be a must-have. Others will want a system that has massive storage space, others just the ability to see things in real-time streaming. Will you have cloud-based storage or local storage is another consideration. Do you need
Bluetooth connectivity, or will only Wi-Fi serve your needs? Also, what about app-based vs. webbased access? Do you need or want both? Finally, would you like the ability to have a pan or tilt feature to change the direction of the camera remotely?
guard against shadowy figures in the night or trying to say a happy word to Fido while you’re putting in extra hours at the office, there’s a camera system for you. Do your homework and enjoy your home like never before! af
So, there you have it. Whether you’re trying to avoid the door ringing menagerie, trying to
Richard Singleton, MACE, MAMFC, LPC, is the executive director at STARRY in Round Rock.
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! Come see for yourself. Observe our classrooms any time—no appointment needed. Round Rock 1521 Joyce Lane (512) 255-8844 Avery Ranch 15101 Avery Ranch Boulevard (512) 341-8000 Pond Springs 13015 Pond Springs Road (512) 258-1299
Inspiring Children to Achieve Since 1963
An independent private school offering preschool through eighth grade © 2015, Challenger Schools private • Challenger School admits students of any race, color, and national or ethnic origin. An independent school offering preschool through eighth grade © 2016, Challenger Schools • Challenger School admits students of any race, color, and national or ethnic origin.
Pick us up at HEB, Whole Foods and Central Market
September 2016 l austinfamily.com
15
Now Hear This: Austin’s Own Tumble Podcast Brings Science to Kids by Sherida Mock So many adults are listening to podcasts these days. (Who hasn’t caught an episode of a show like “Serial” and binge-listened to the end of the season?) But they’re not just for grownups anymore. Podcasts for kids are on the rise, too, and one of the latest to take off is Austin-based, twice-monthly “Tumble,” a science-themed podcast aimed at 8 to 12 year olds. We recently spoke with founders Lindsay Patterson and Marshall Escamilla about their journey from dream to reality and the gratifying feedback they’ve received from their youngest followers. AF: Tell us about your family. Lindsay: We got married in 2011, and we have a 2½ year old son named Emmett. We started the podcast not long after he was born.
who just turned 1, and her husband is a music teacher.
AF: Tell us about your favorite podcasts. Lindsay: I have so many. I was just listening to “Criminal.” It’s really well reported. I love “First Day Back.” It’s so beautifully done. I also like “You Must Remember This,” which is stories of old Hollywood. Marshall: I’ve been fond of “Revolution.” It’s a history podcast.
AF: And for kids? Sara Lenz, Lindsay Patterson and Marshall Escamilla with their children.
AF: What are your back- grounds? Marshall: I teach music in a private school. Lindsay: My background is science reporting for public radio. Sara Lenz is our associate producer. She’s a science reporter. She has a baby girl
16
Lindsay: We worked closely with Andrew and Polly, who did “Ear Snacks.” And then there’s “Brains On,” a show about science, hosted by a 6 year old. There’s “Sparkle Stories.” They’re based in Austin, too. “Story Pirates” is stories written by kids. There’s also “Book Club for Kids.” And one just started that I’m excited about called “The Adventures of Eleanor Amplified.” It’s radio fiction about a reporter getting into all kinds of adventures. That’s super engaging.
September 2016 l austinfamily.com
AF: What made you decide to start your own podcast? Lindsay: I had a lot of creative energy, and it seemed there was a real absence of listening material for kids. Podcasts fit really well into their preexisting habits: going to school and before bedtime and playing while listening to something. It gives them an alternative to screen time. We hear from listeners that every single time they get into the car to go to school, they want to listen to “the science podcast.”
View the magazine online at austinfamily.com
Visit our advertisers.
AF: What do you hope kids will get out of your podcast? Lindsay: We’ve heard from kids who listen to it for fun. People like our podcast for the storytelling aspect. Kids will listen to it, and it will turn on their imagination. So now they’re going to the park, but they’re hunting for dinosaur eggs, or they’re making forts, but they’re in a submarine at the bottom of the ocean.
“We always ask kids to participate in some way, like to design a t-shirt for a bat or your invention for a helmet that will protect from concussion.” — Lindsay Patterson
We’ve also heard from teachers who use it in the classroom. I got to Skype with one 4th grade teacher who used it as something to listen to while they were doing handwriting. It’s a way to talk about science when you’re not necessarily in science class. When I was growing up, I did not like science at all. The experiments we did were things the teacher already knew. It’s basically a demo. I never understood until I interviewed a scientist on a fluke assignment. He was trying to figure out something that could help the world. He didn’t know the answer when he went in to do the experiment. Marshall: That’s how everything we know was found out. They didn’t know the answer, and they tried to figure it out using evidence. We’re saying, “This is how science works.” It’s not an absolute truth that’s suddenly true forever. It’s about getting the best explanation we can, based on the observed evidence.
Marshall: One of the questions we got from listeners was, “Is the universe going to end?” Linsday: The aspect of the universe being beyond the capacity of humans to know is really interesting and inspiring in itself. We talked to a black hole scientist who was like, “We have these theories about how it works, but we’re really waiting for somebody new to come in and blow the whole field open.” That could be a kid who’s listening right now. af
Lindsay: A lot of people lose their curiosity as they’re told, “Your grades in science aren’t so great.” Marshall: Kids get that in all kinds of subjects. “I’m not a mathematician.” A lot of young boys get the idea that, “I’m not a student.”
AF: What sort of feedback have you received? Lindsay: I’ve heard from kids who say they just want to listen to the same episode over and over. Drawings are the best kinds of feedback. We always ask kids to participate in some way, like to design a t-shirt for a bat or your invention for a helmet that will protect from concussion or how to get trash out of the ocean. I don’t think adult podcasts could get such great feedback.
Lindsay Patterson with her son, Emmett.
“We’re saying, ‘This is how science works.’”
— Marshall Escamilla
Pick us up at HEB, Whole Foods and Central Market
September 2016 l austinfamily.com
17
Coaching Your Child’s Team: A Parent’s Playbook
by Margaret Nicklas Mike Zumpano grew up playing baseball. He said he never understood as a child why his dad, who was a minor league baseball player, didn’t want to be his coach, although it makes sense to him now.
“It’s not an easy thing to do,” he says. “You have to be able to treat your kid just like everybody else and kind of forget that you’re the dad.” The former high school coach and PE teacher has seen for himself how chal-
lenging it can be for parents to coach their own children well. He now runs an Austin company that offers movement programs for kids with his wife, Kristi. Zumpano, a father of two, isn’t saying parents shouldn’t coach their kids. But he and others who work with children agree that one key to success for parents who do is their ability to effectively differentiate between their respective roles. Here’s why.
Equal Treatment In sports as elsewhere, a parent’s at-
tention is often fixed primarily on his or her own child, while coaches must think about their teams as a whole. Moreover, coaching—especially in youth sports—generally means trying to help all kids equally in their development, regardless of their skill level or talent. So, effective parent coaches must be willing and able to distance themselves to some extent from their own children’s needs while responding to the needs of the other children on their team. Put another way, a parent coach who is too focused on the advancement of his or her own child will be hard pressed to
18
September 2016 l austinfamily.com
give other team members the guidance and playing opportunities they deserve. Local child psychologist Dr. Mike Brooks, who helped coach his son’s soccer team for two years, has a similar take on what good parent coaching requires. Being equitable as a coach was very important to him personally, he said, and he strove to give each player regular one-on-one attention and support. “I didn’t want to show favoritism to any of the boys—period,” he says. Adopting a broader attitude about the experience, that “We are out here to play a sport, learn some skills, have some fun, get a good work-out, hopefully get better and win some games” helped him keep perspective as a coach and avoid favoring his son, he says.
Positive Attitude Keeping it positive with all the players
also helps tremendously, Brooks says, cit-
View the magazine online at austinfamily.com
Visit our advertisers.
ing the “magic ratio,” concept popularized by Dr. John Gottman. Gottman’s research found that people who have at least five positive interactions for every negative one form strong relationships. In the context of coaching, Brooks explains, such relationships mean coaches have more influence with their players and that players are, in turn, more receptive to the feedback.
give your child one-on-one attention outside of games and practices and reinforce the message that your love and approval does not depend upon his or her performance on the field.
Avoid advising or analyzing your child’s performance too much, no matter how well intentioned. Set limits for yourself and take cues from Because there is a lot to contend with your child about how much feedback emotionally for both parent and child, is too much, and notice times when coaching one’s child at the younger he or she needs to tune out. And while end of the age spectrum is something Austin Sports Psychologist Dr. Tim Zeddies it’s understandable that you want your child to do well on the field, remember recommends. that to stay motivated, kids playing “The younger the kid is, the easier it is sports need to have fun, especially in for the parent to be a coach,” Zeddies the early years. says. “As kids get older, sports become more competitive. And the more competitive sports become, the more difficult it is for the parent and for the Consider splitting up child to navigate the dual roles that are coaching responsibilities involved in a parent being a parent and with a partner or an assisalso being coach,” he adds. By high tant, or getting help from a volunteer school, teens are also becoming more or friend. Sharing the load takes some independent as they undergo a process of the pressure off you, and can diffuse of identity development. “Having time potential conflicts between you and away from parents is very critical to that your child, as well as between you process,” he says. and other players or their parents over perceptions of fairness or favoritism.
Getting It Right
All this being said, parent coaches are a valuable and often essential element of many youth programs in Austin and beyond. So if you are thinking of taking the plunge, here are some things you can do to help ensure the experience works for you, your child and the team:
Effective parent coaches must be willing and able to distance themselves from their own children’s needs.
things that kids get out of the experience that really matter—like the friendships they form, what they learn about hard work and teamwork and how to take losses in stride, he says. af Margaret Nicklas is an Austin-based freelance journalist, writer and mom who covers public affairs, public health and the well-being of children.
Coaching your child’s team is a unique opportunity to have fun, stretch your own capabilities and give back to others, while watching your child grow and mature. “It was a great experience,” Brooks says of his own coaching stint. Winning is wonderful, but it’s the other
Talk to your child beforehand about what you anticipate coaching his or her team will be like. Find out if your child has anxieties or concerns you can address. And if your child is not happy about the idea, it makes sense to reconsider or at least defer coaching until he or she is on board with the idea.
Think about what you will do with your child off the field as well as on. In particular, make a point of doing non sport-related activities with your child to maintain emotional balance and help prevent the sport from defining your relationship. In addition, be sure to Pick us up at HEB, Whole Foods and Central Market
September 2016 l austinfamily.com
19
KEEPING KIDS ENGAGED AFTER THE SCHOOL BELL The Y’s Afterschool Programs provide a safe environment filled with a thoughtful mix of counselor-led activities and free time aimed at your child’s personal growth. Curriculum includes arts and crafts, math, science, nutrition, wellness, character development and literacy to ensure your child’s educational foundation is a strong and lasting one.
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE
Weekdays from school dismissal until 6:30pm • Kindergarten thru 5th Grade • 26 Austin area sites
VISIT AUSTINYMCA.ORG TO LEARN MORE AND TO REGISTER TODAY (or call 512.326.9622 )
20
September 2016 l austinfamily.com
View the magazine online at austinfamily.com
Visit our advertisers.
10 THINGS
‌for Self-Improvement Month! 1. Meditate 2.
Clean something
3. Take a walk 4. Volunteer 5.
Start a hobby 6. Join a book club
7. Work on a relationship 8. Clear your closet 9.
Plan a healthy meal
10. Take a class Pick us up at HEB, Whole Foods and Central Market
September 2016 l austinfamily.com
21
Explore Austin Museum Day with These Helpful Tricks! by Denise Yearian
1
Austin Museum Day, when 45 local museums open their doors with free access to exhibits and activities, is Sunday, Sept. 18. Museums are a great way to explore art, culture, history and science in an educationally engaging environment. To make the most of a visit with children, consider these 10 tips:
3 Consider AgeAppropriateness If there isn’t specific information on the website, call and ask what kinds of sensory experiences they have for children. Do they have a touch area, a discovery room or other childoriented activities?
22
Plan Ahead
Initiate Interest
Visit the museum’s website to familiarize yourself with the exhibits and collections. Find out about family programs. This will help you know what they have to offer and how much time you will need for your visit. Confirm hours, admission and parking.
To get your child excited, talk with him about what he wants to see. Consider his interests, as well as subjects recently learned in school. Point out specific website photos of things you might see. Some sites have online scavenger hunts, printable kids’ pages or specific information about the exhibits that are geared for children.
4
5
Set Expectations Before arriving, talk with your child about museum manners and why it is important to use indoor voices, to walk rather than run and to not touch objects unless otherwise instructed. Make it easy for your child to follow the rules by visiting when she is rested and well fed.
September 2016 l austinfamily.com
2
Share the Experience Consider the venue and the day’s objective. If you are visiting a children’s museum where all the exhibits are hands on, it may be more enjoyable with friends. But if this is your first visit to a particular museum, consider making it a special family time. On subsequent visits, invite friends to come along and encourage your child to take the lead in explaining some of what he previously learned.
For a list of participating Austin Museum Day organizations, visit austinmuseums.org.
Austin Museum Day September 18 austinmuseums.org
View the magazine online at austinfamily.com
Visit our advertisers.
6
Prioritize and Diversify Consider your child’s attention span and plan an itinerary based on the exhibits she wants to see. To keep boredom at bay, add variety to the day. Plan to visit shows, demonstrations and movies toward the middle or end of your visit to give your family a break from walking and something to look forward to. Be flexible and keep the experience positive. If your child is becoming restless, get your hands stamped and return after a break.
7 Foster Awareness Some museums and science centers have family guides to promote critical thinking of different objects or child-friendly audio accompaniments that give age-appropriate background exhibit information. If a museum doesn’t have guided material, stimulate curiosity by asking open-ended questions: “What is happening in this picture?” “What was your favorite object in this room?” Also ask causeand-effect questions: "What do you think will happen if…?"
9
8
Bring it Down to His Level Exhibit labels are written to a sixth-grade level, so if your child is younger, read and interpret them for him. Help him make connections between what he sees and everyday life. This will give him something tangible to hang his knowledge on. If, for example, your child plays at a stream table with movable plastic gates that change the direction of the water, talk about how this plays out in a natural setting. Look at the exhibits from his perspective; recognize and validate his unique comments and observations. Follow up with simple activities: do comparisons, count items or look for colors.
Extend the Experience
Continue to communicate after you leave. Call a relative and let your child share what she saw, then follow up with activities. Have her color a picture of her favorite object or take home an item from the gift shop to reinforce what she learned. Talk about it on the way home. If there’s a related science experiment, try to recreate that or check out related books from the library.
10
Join In
Museum memberships may be helpful if the venue is too large to see in one day or you want to return sometime within the year. Member families can return as often as they like and receive free or reduced admission to special events, programs and classes. Members may also obtain regularly mailed educational material. Some museums even have reciprocal memberships with other venues across the nation and worldwide. So if you plan to travel, you may be able to visit an affiliate for free. af ______________ Denise Yearian is the former editor of two parenting magazines and the mother of three children and four grandchildren.
Pick us up at HEB, Whole Foods and Central Market
September 2016 l austinfamily.com
23
2 0 1 6
Afterschool Activity GUIDE
Afterschool Care Country Home Learning South, North 512-288-8220, 512-331-1441 countryhomelearningcenter.com
KidSpa North Austin, Southwest Austin 512-828-5772, 512-301-5772 kidspaaustin.com
Extend-A-Care 77 Elementary Schools in Austin ISD, Hays ISD, Del Valle ISD, Charter Schools 512-472-9402 eackids.org
Rainbow Station North 512-260-9700 rainbowstationaustin.org
Kiddie Academy Pflugerville, Cedar Park 512-270-9988, 512-920-3028 kiddieacademy.com
Seeking Sitters Austin metro-area 512-474-1171 seekingsitters.com
Stepping Stone Schools 19 campuses, Austin, Round Rock, Leander, Kyle, Buda, Georgetown, College Station 512-459-0258 steppingstoneschool.com Wanna Play Round Rock, North Austin 512-341-7529, 512-258-7529 wannaplayplaycare.com
Arts, Theater, Music and Dance Armstrong Community Music School Westlake and Travis Heights 512-474-2331 acmsaustin.org Austin Girls’ Choir Central Austin 512-453-0884 girlschoir.com Austin Piano School Parmer/Mopac Area 512-415-1134 austinpianoschool.com Bethany Fine Arts Academy Northwest Austin 512-258-6017 bethany-umc.org/finearts
24
CafĂŠ Monet South, Central, San Marcos 512-892-3200, 512-906-2200, 512-805-2800 cafemonet.org Childbloom Guitar Program Central Austin, Round Rock, Northwest 512-452-8765 austin.childbloom.com Dance Discovery Allendale, Avery Ranch 512-419-7611, 512-658-2996 dancediscovery.com Heartsong Music North Austin 512-371-9506 heartsongmusic.net
September 2016 l austinfamily.com
KidsActing 16 locations North (3), South, Lakeway, Cedar Park, Round Rock, Oak Hill, West, Central 512-836-5437 kidsactingstudio.com Synergy Dance Studio Westlake 512-327-4130 synergydancestudio.com TexArts Lakeway 512-852-9079 x104 tex-arts.org Zach Performing Arts Central Austin 512-476-0594 x236 zachtheatre.org
View the magazine online at austinfamily.com
Visit our advertisers.
Education Austin Learning Center West Austin 512-330-9007 austinlearningcenter.com
Chinese With Maggie Central 512-380-9552 littletigerchinese.com
Little Hands International Round Rock 512-572-1888 littlehandsips.com
Best in Class Education Bee Cave 206-890-1936 bestinclasseducation.com
Creative Bricks for Kids Round Rock 512-388-9003 creativebrickbuilders.com
Mad Science Various locations 512-892-1143 austin.madscience.org
Bits, Bytes and Bots 40 area elementary locations in Austin, Georgetown, Cedar Park, Round Rock, Dripping Springs 512-415-4120 bitsbytesbots.com
KLRU Kids Club Central Austin klrukids.org
Sports ATA Martial Arts Northwest, Cedar Park 512-796-0953, 512-786-2837 barrettsATA.com Austin Junior Volleyball South, Cedar Park 512-433-5164 austinsportscenter.com Champions Central Tx, Lake Travis 512-628-1788, 512-970-8838 championstx.com Chaparral Ice Center North Austin 512-252-8500 chaparralice.com Esoteric Equestrian Northeast Austin 512-272-4301 austinhorse.com
Drop-In Care KidSpa North Austin 512-828-5772 Southwest Austin 512-301-5772 kidspaaustin.com Wanna Play Round Rock, North Austin 512-341-7529, 512-258-7528 wannaplayplaycare.com
Ghoring Tai Chi & Kung Fu Central Austin 512-879-7553 mastergohring.com iFly North Austin 512-774-4359 ifly.com Jump! Gymnastics North, South 512-593-6226 jump-austin.com Nitro Swimming Cedar Park, Bee Cave 512-259-7999 nitroswim.com Playland Skate Northwest Austin 512-452-1901
Field Trips Asian American Resource Center East Austin 512-974-1700 austintexas.gov/aarc
playlandskatecenter.com Rio Vista Farm Southeast 512-247-2303 riovistafarm.com Sugar and Spice Ranch Bandera 830-460-8487 texashorsecamps.com YMCA-Austin Locations throughout Austin 512-730-9622 austinymca.org YMCA-Williamson County Round Rock, Leander, Hutto, Pflugerville, Granger, Liberty Hill and Cedar Park 512-615-5563 ymcagwc.org
Volunteer Round Rock Serving Center Round Rock 512-244-2431 rrasc.org
Mt. Playmore Nortth Austin 512-989-8886 mtplaymore.com
Pick us up at HEB, Whole Foods and Central Market
September 2016 l austinfamily.com
25
BY BRENDA SCHOOLFIELD
Is This Playground Safe?
Hint: Check the Landing Surface
Playground injuries are increasing.
Even though playground safety standards have improved, more children are getting hurt. Recently released data reports that: • Every year, more than 200,000 children get hurt on the playground badly enough to need medical care in the emergency department.
• About 20,000 of these children have head injuries. • Many of these children are very young—between the ages of 5 and 9. • Children are more likely to get a head injury when playing on monkey bars, climbing equipment and swings. When your child visits a playground, keep these two things in mind:
1. 2.
26
Make sure the playground equipment is safe.
Correct your child’s unsafe behavior to keep her and other children safe.
Safe Equipment At parks and schools, look out for these potential problems:
ing loose. Check for splinters and nails sticking out. Look for rocks or tree stumps. Before you allow your child to play on the playground equipment at a fast food restaurant, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) advises:
• Surfaces. Material under the equipment should help cushion a fall. Falls on hard surfaces (such as grass, dirt or • Look for trash and general cleanliconcrete) increase the risk of broken ness. bones and head injuries. Some approved materials are pea gravel, sand, • Check to ensure equipment and shredded rubber and wood chips. surfaces are not broken or torn. • Bars. The space between climb• Remove your child’s necklace or ing bars should be large enough so other jewelry that can get caught. that the child’s arm or leg won’t get caught, but small enough so the child • Empty the child’s pockets so that can’t get his head trapped. hard objects don’t fall into the ball pool and injure your child or others. • Guardrails. High places should have guardrails to prevent falls. • Check the size of cargo netting. Netting that is too large poses a stran• Temperature. Check the equipment gulation hazard. Netting that is too and other surfaces in hot weather to small poses an injury risk. Don’t allow make sure the child won’t be burned. your child to play on the equipment Equipment in direct sunlight can get if the perimeter of a netting square is very hot, even on mild days. between 17 and 28 inches. Report the problem to keep other children from • Other dangers. Look for equipment getting hurt. that is broken or pieces that are com-
September 2016 l austinfamily.com
View the magazine online at austinfamily.com
Visit our advertisers.
For home playgrounds, the CPSC cautions parents not to place climbing equipment on hard surfaces, such as wood floors or concrete patios. Even a well-padded rug is not enough protection if a child falls. Place the equipment on sand or mulch instead.
Safe Behavior We want our children to have fun on the playground. But children may not always use sound judgment. Here are some tips for safe behavior:
The Child Says That He… Has a headache Feels like he is going to vomit Is dizzy or things are blurry Doesn’t want to be around light or noise Feels groggy Is confused or can’t remember things Isn’t “feeling right” af
Do not move a child who falls. He could have a head, neck or spinal injury. Call 9-1-1 for help.
Brenda Schoolfield is a freelance medical writer in Austin.
Use equipment as designed. Insist that your child use the equipment as it was designed to be used. This includes not climbing on frames or jumping off high places that aren’t intended for that purpose. Enforce age ranges. Don’t let young children play on equipment designed for older children. Although older children may be safe on equipment designated for younger children, they may cause injury to younger children without meaning to. Be safe on slides. Only one child should slide down at a time. Don’t let your child climb back up the slide or play at the bottom of the slide. Don’t hold a child in your lap and slide down the slide. In many unfortunate cases, the child’s shoe has dragged on the slide, and the weight of the parent has caused the child’s bone to break. If Your Child is Injured If your child falls or bumps her head, look for signs of a head injury. Signs may appear right after the injury or not until hours or days later. If you see even one of these signs, get medical help right away. When to Suspect a Head Injury You See That the Child… Looks stunned Seems confused or can’t remember what he is supposed to do Is clumsy Is slow to respond to questions Loses consciousness, even for a few seconds Doesn’t act like himself Can’t tell you what happened before or after the injury
Pick us up at HEB, Whole Foods and Central Market
September 2016 l austinfamily.com
27
BY JENNIFER VANBUREN
Many schools have beginning of the year parent confer-
ences. Be prepared with your questions to get the most out of this time with your child’s teacher. Debbie Shiabu, executive director of the Association of Private Schools; Anne Davis, education contributor for the parenting blog We Know Stuff; and Justin Baeder, director of The Principal Center, provide expert advice on effective questions to ask at your next parent-teacher conference. First of all, you are there for your child. Teacher conferences are not the time to “interview” the teacher. Questions such as, “What is your philosophy of education?” are best left to the professionals who hired him. Don’t ask about other children in the class; your teacher will not be able to talk about other children, just as he won’t be able to talk about your child to other parents. Start the conference by asking questions specific to your child and giving the teacher information about your child.
How is my child doing socially and emotionally? These subjects are often not addressed in progress reports, but are just as important as academic progress. Is she making friends? Does she get along with other children in social situations? Is her emotional maturity on track for her age? How does she handle setbacks? Does she manage the teacher’s feedback on her work?
28
September 2016 l austinfamily.com
In what areas does my child excel? Need improvement? The teacher spends a considerable amount of time with your child. In that environment, she might see something in your child that you have missed. If there is room for improvement, ask for suggestions on what you can do to help at home. Your teacher has likely worked with hundreds of students and has seen what has helped in the past.
Is my child doing his best? Your child may be making good scores on his assessments, but is he putting appropriate effort in his work? Does he take his time on class work or rush through and then spend time socializing with friends?
What can I do at home to support my child? If your child is struggling with a specific concept or process at school, outside help such as tutoring may be needed to help her catch up with her peers. The teacher might recommend specific websites or learning resources that can supplement her learning. Most schools have a reading-at-home program. Ask how much time should be spent reading to your child versus your child reading out loud or to herself.
View the magazine online at austinfamily.com
Visit our advertisers.
Can I tell you about what is going on at home? Maybe your parents are moving in with you. Maybe you are going through a divorce. Perhaps a new baby is on the way soon. This is information that your child’s teacher needs to know in order to address his needs.
planning a holiday party or supplies for a special project? Does the library need volunteers? Support your school with your time, talent and treasure in order to make your child’s learning experience the best.
child, and a mutually beneficial relationship will bloom. Your child will benefit greatly from your participation in her education. af
Collaboration between teachers and parents begins with a simple conversation. Start early with a fall conference. Keep it positive and focused on your
Jennifer VanBuren is a Georgetown educator and mother of three.
__________________
Is my child performing on grade level? At a conference, expect to see examples of your child’s work. Instead of comparing him with other students in the class, ask how his work compares to the standards of his grade level. Have your child’s reading and math skills been tested? Where does your child stand in comparison to expected levels?
What do these assessment results really mean? Standardized testing results may be confusing to interpret. Don’t be embarrassed to ask for an explanation.
Quality Drop-In, Full-Time and Custom-Schedule Childcare Ages 18 months to 12 years old
A GETAWAY FOR YOUR KIDS! May I share a concern? If you have a specific concern about what is going on in the classroom or school, bring it up respectfully to the teacher. If you are concerned that the teaching methods are not working for your child, now is the time to get some clarification and give input.
Can you fill me in on a situation? You may hear complaints from your child, but it is always helpful to get the teacher’s side of the story. You may be surprised at the difference between your child’s perception and the teacher’s point of view.
How can I help? Teachers often depend on the generosity of parents in order to do their best for your child. Does she need help
Outdoor Playscape Movie Theater Air Hockey Wii Stations Computers Arts and Crafts Nutritious Meals Fingerprint Security And LOTS More... !
Register TODAY at:
www.KidSpaAustin.com
Pick us up at HEB, Whole Foods and Central Market
September 2016 l austinfamily.com
29
Q A
BY BETTY RICHARDSON
My teenage daughter was bullied in grade school by a classmate. Luckily, he went to a different middle school. But yesterday, my daughter learned they both attend the same high school. I’m wondering if I should speak with his parents or a school counselor. How can I help my daughter overcome her fear being bullied again?
I wonder what kind of bullying your daughter experienced? Bullying can be physical, verbal or relational. Physical bullying involves behavior like kicking, hitting, pushing, threatening, stealing or ruining another person’s belongings. Verbal bullying includes name calling, insulting and hurtful teasing. Relational bullying includes refusing to talk to a person, excluding a person, humiliating a person or spreading lies and rumors. Sometimes children and adolescents— and even adults—engage in verbal or relationship bullying and don’t realize they are being a bully.
The Bully Returns: How Can I Help My Daughter Cope?
word. Let them know that their son’s behavior was in the past, and your daughter fears it will start again. You can work with the school to make certain students are educated about what bullying is and what the consequences are. You can help the school develop policies about bullying, if they aren’t already in place.
In addition, you can ask your daughter if she has any interest in a martial art. Often, kids who Depending on the situation, here are bullied feel afraid, helpless are some things a young person and hopeless. They may develop can do to discourage a bully: depression, anxiety, low self-esteem 1. Walk away. Don’t react. The and want to skip school or drop bully wants to see the victim’s out. The martial arts teach impulse emotions, such as fear or control, self-control, discipline, ethics, self-confidence, coordinaanger. tion and calmness. The martial arts help reduce negative feelings and 2. Make friends with the bully, and walk and talk with states. I enrolled my daughter in karate in grade school. It gave her him or her at school. the confidence to deal effectively with bullies without physical con3. Report the bully to an adult. tact. She even stood up for some of her male friends against bullies. You mentioned some things you might do, including talking to the For kids who are repeatedly bullied, bully’s parents. If you do this, I sugit takes time to recover. Bullies tend gest you not use the word “bully,” to target kids who are different. but simply report the past behavior. They pick on kids who are smaller, Parents often don’t know when weaker or different in some way their child is bullying and may because bullies themselves feel become defensive on hearing the
30
September 2016 l austinfamily.com
insecure. They pick on others as a way to feel stronger. A study published in the British Journal of Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology found that kids with ADHD are 10 times more likely to be targeted by bullies. This increased risk of being bullied is said to be due to the child with ADHD having trouble reading facial expressions and being less socially and emotionally mature. A child with ADHD may seem strange or annoying to bullies. In dealing with bullies, it helps for a child to practice. You can help your daughter by role-playing the bully and teaching her to calmly and firmly say, “Stop that,” and turn away. It also helps to find new afterschool activities, new friends and things to look forward to. For kids who have been traumatized by repeated bullying (and bullies often tend to bully over and over again), it is helpful to arrange for therapy with a professional. af Betty Richardson, Ph.D., R.N.C., L.P.C., L.M.F.T., is an Austin-based psychotherapist who specializes in dealing with the problems of children, adolescents and parents.
View the magazine online at austinfamily.com
Visit our advertisers.
BY ROCIO BARBOSA
Mexico’s Independence Day At dawn on September 16, 1810, the priest in the town of Dolores Hidalgo rang the church bell and started the rebellion in which we Mexicans became independent from Spain. Since then, every September 16 we celebrate our independence with a parade passing through the main streets of the cities and marching in the schools and government institutions. School children must wear their dress uniforms. In the capital of Mexico, the national army marches with the parade ending in the center of the city, where the town hall is located. In the evening, the celebration continues. All the people gather in front of the government palace, where the president (chairman) comes out onto the palace balcony and gives the independence shout, “Viva Mexico!” And all the people answer, “Viva!” The president repeats the shout, “Viva Mexico! Hurrah!” three times and rings the bell and raises the flag of Mexico.
Pick us up at HEB, Whole Foods and Central Market
At the end of the celebration, they start the fireworks and young people continue celebrating in bars throughout the city. This is how we Mexicans celebrate our independence. af Rocio Barbosa, mother of two, lives in Round Rock.
September 2016 l austinfamily.com
31
BY ROCIO BARBOSA
Día de la Independencia nacional, teniendo terminación dicho desfile en el centro de la ciudad, en donde se encuentra la presidencia municipal.
En la madrugada del 16 de septiembre de 1810, el cura Dolores Hidalgo toco la campana de la iglesia, para encabezar la rebelión en donde los mexicanos nos independizamos de los españoles. Desde entonces, cada 16 de septiembre celebramos nuestra independencia con un desfile que pasa por las principales calles de la ciudad, marchando en el mismo, las escuelas y las instituciones de gobierno. Las escuelas deben de llevar el uniforme de gala. En la capital de México marcha también el ejercito
32
September 2016 l austinfamily.com
Por la noche, el festejo continua. Todo el pueblo se reúne frente a palacio de gobierno, en donde por el balcón de la presidencia sale el primer mandatario (presidente) el cual da el grito de independencia “¡Viva México!” Y todo el pueblo contesta “¡Viva!” El presidente vuelve a gritar “¡Viva México! ¡Viva!” tres veces mas y toca la campana por unos momentos y ondea la bandera de México. Al terminar, empiezan los juegos pirotécnicos, y los jóvenes continúan la celebración en algún bar de la ciudad. Es así como los mexicanos celebramos nuestra independencia. af Rocio Barbosa, madre de dos hijas, vive en Round Rock.
View the magazine online at austinfamily.com
Visit our advertisers.
El Acosador Regresa:
P R
BY BETTY RICHARDSON
¿Cómo Puedo Ayudar a Mi Hija a
Mi hija adolescente fue víctima de acoso en la escuela primaria por un compañero de clase. Por suerte, se fue a una escuela secundaria diferente. Pero ayer, mi hija se enteró que ambos asisten a la misma escuela preparatoria. Me pregunto si debería hablar con sus padres o un consejero de la escuela. ¿Cómo puedo ayudar a mi hija a superar su miedo a ser nuevamente acosada? ¿Me pregunto qué tipo de acoso experimentó su hija? El acoso puede ser físico, verbal o relacional. El acoso físico implica un comportamiento como patear, golpear, empujar, amenazar, robar o arruinar las pertenencias de otra persona. El acoso verbal incluye poner sobre nombres, insultar y burlarse. El acoso relacional incluye el negarse a hablar con una persona, excluir a una persona, humillar a una personal o difundir mentiras y rumores. A veces los niños y adolescentes—e incluso adultos—participan en el acoso verbal o relacional y no se dan cuenta que están siendo los acosadores. Dependiendo de la situación, aquí hay algunas cosas que una persona joven puede hacer para desalentar a un acosador:
1. Alejarse. No reaccione. El acosador quiere ver las emociones de la víctima, como el miedo o la ira. 2. Haga amistad con el acosador, y camine y hable con él o ella en la escuela. 3. Reporte al acosador a un adulto. Usted menciono algunas cosas que puede hacer, incluyendo hablar con los padres del acosador. Si hace esto, le sugiero que no utilice la palabra “acosador” o “bully”, sino simplemente informar sobre el comportamiento que tuvo en el pasado. Los padres a menudo no saben cuando su hijo es un acosa-
Enfrentar Esto?
dor y pueden ponerse a la defensiva al oír esa palabra. Que sepan que el comportamiento de su hijo fue en el pasado, y que su hija teme que comience otra vez. Usted puede trabajar con los administradores de la escuela para asegurarse de que los estudiantes reciban información sobre que es el acoso escolar y cuáles son las consecuencias. Puede ayudarlos a desarrollar políticas acerca del acoso escolar, si es que todavía no existen. Además, puede preguntarle a su hija si tiene algún interés en artes marciales. A menudo, los niños que son acosados se sienten con miedo, indefensos y sin esperanza. Ellos pueden desarrollar depresión, ansiedad, baja autoestima y querer faltar a clases o abandonar la escuela. Las artes marciales enseñan control impulsivo, autocontrol, disciplina, ética, confianza en sí mismo, coordinación y clama. Las artes marciales ayudan a reducir estados y sentimientos negativos. Yo inscribí a mi hija en el karate en la escuela primaria. Le dio la confianza para hacer frente eficazmente a los acosadores sin el contacto físico. Incluso defendió algunos de sus amigos varones de los acosadores. Para los niños que son acosados repetidamente, toma tiempo para recuperarse. Los acosadores tienden a enfocarse en niños que son diferentes. Molestan a los niños que son más pequeños, más débiles o diferentes de alguna manera
Pick us up at HEB, Whole Foods and Central Market
porque los mismos acosadores se sienten inseguros. Molestan a otros como una manera de sentirse más fuertes. Un estudio publicado en la revista Británica de Medicina para el Desarrollo y Neurología Infantil encontró que los niños con ADHD tienen 10 veces más probabilidades de ser víctimas de acoso. Este aumento del riesgo de ser acosado se dice que es debido a que el niño con ADHD tienen dificultades para leer las expresiones faciales y es menos socialmente y emocionalmente maduro. Un niño con ADHD puede parecerles extraño o enfadoso a los acosadores. En cuanto al trato con los acosadores, es una gran ayuda para un niño el practicar. Usted puede ayudar a su hija al actuar el papel del acosador y enseñarle a decir con calma y firmeza, “Deja de hacer eso”, y darle la espalda. También es de mucha ayuda encontrar nuevas actividades después de clases, nuevos amigos y cosas que espera con ilusión. Para los niños que han sido traumatizados por frecuente acoso escolar (y los acosadores a menudo tienden a acosar una y otra vez), es de gran ayuda hacer preparativos para terapia con un profesional.
af
Betty Richardson, Ph.D., R.N.C., L.P.C., L.M.F.T., es una psicoterapeuta con sede en Austin que se especializa en
September 2016 l austinfamily.com
33
September Museum Exhibits pg 34
Family Events pg 34
•
Parenting Events pg 40
++ Denotes event occurs on multiple dates
2016 calendar
•
Story Times pg 40 Compiled by BETTY KEMPER
Museum Exhibits JOURNEY INTO BIG BEND Through Sept. 18. Bullock Museum, 1800 N. Congress Ave. $8 youth; $12 adult. thestoryoftexas.com or 512‑936‑8746. ORLY GENGER: HURLYBURLY Through Feb. 2017. 74 Trinity St. FREE. thecontemporaryaustin.org.
Family Events THURSDAY 1 LIVING HISTORY DAYS 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bullock Museum, 1800 N. Congress Ave. $8 to $12. thestoryoftexas.com or 512‑936‑8746. OPEN HOUSE: AWESOME VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES ++ 12 to 1 p.m. LCRA Redbud Center, 3601 Lake Austin Blvd. FREE. coloradoriver.org or 512‑498‑1587. FIRST THURSDAY 5 to 10 p.m. S. Congress Ave., Barton Springs Rd. to Elizabeth St. FREE. firstthursday.info. STARRY NIGHTS AT GIRLSTART 5:30 to 7 p.m. Girlstart, 1400 W. Anderson Ln. FREE. girlstart.org or 512‑916‑4775. LEGO NIGHT 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Taylor Public Library, 801 Vance Street, Taylor. FREE. taylortx.gov.
Austin Museum Day, Sept. 18 SPROUTS ++ 10 to 11 a.m. Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, 4801 La Crosse Ave. FREE with admission. wildflower.org or 512‑232‑0100. FIRST FRIDAY ART WALK 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Historic Main Street, Bastrop. FREE. bastropdowntown.com. FIRST FRIDAY 6 to 8 p.m. Williamson Museum, 716 S. Austin Ave., Georgetown. FREE. williamsonmuseum.org or 512‑943‑1670. FIRST FRIDAYS ON THE SQUARE 6 to 8 p.m. Historic Downtown Square, Georgetown. FREE. thegeorgetownsquare.com.
CONTROVERSY AND CONVERSATION—A DIFFICULT DIALOGUES PROGRAM 7 p.m. Terrazas Branch Library, 1105 E. Cesar Chavez St. FREE. library.austintexas.gov or 512‑974‑3625.
34
LBJ Library photo by Jay Godwin.
FRIDAY 2
September 2016 l austinfamily.com
ROUND ROCK EXPRESS VS MEMPHIS ++ 7 p.m. Dell Diamond, 3400 E. Palm Valley Blvd., Round Rock. $10 and up. roundrockexpress.com or 512‑255‑2255. MUSIC IN THE PARK ++ 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Pfluger Park, 515 City Park Rd., Pflugerville. FREE. pflugervilletx.gov.
SATURDAY 3 FLEA MARKET DAYS ++ 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Elgin Memorial Park, 1127 N. Main St., Elgin. FREE. elgintx.com. MADRONE CANYON HIKE 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Laura's Library, 9411 Bee Cave Rd. FREE. westbanklibrary.com or 512‑327‑3045.
Austin Family is now making it easier for you to submit your calendar event. Go to www.austinfamily.com, click on “Submit your event” and send in your entry. The deadline is the 5th of each month preceding the month of the event. Events less than $15 usually are listed. For events more than $15, send details to kaye2003@austinfamily.com View the magazine online at austinfamily.com
Visit our advertisers.
NATURE PLAY HOUR ++ 10 to 11 a.m. Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, 4801 La Crosse Ave. FREE with admission. wildflower.org or 512‑232‑0100.
WHAT'S THE STORY STEVE? ++ 10 to 11 a.m. ColdTowne Theater, 4803 Airport Blvd. Pay what you wish. moveyourtale.com.
MOVIE: GHOSTBUSTERS 2 p.m. Windsor Park Branch Library, 5833 Westminster Dr., FREE, library.austintexas.gov or 512‑974‑9840.
FIRST SATURDAY SIDEWALK SALE 5 to 8 p.m. Historic Downtown Elgin. FREE. elgintx.com.
MONDAY 5
FRIDAY 9
FREE DAY OF YOGA All day. Austin Yoga Studios, Austin. FREE. freedayofyoga.com.
"LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE" SHOWCASE 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pioneer Farms, 10621 Pioneer Farms Dr. $6 children. pioneerfarms.org or 512‑837‑1215.
FILM FAMILY LABOR DAY 12 to 3 p.m. Texas State Capitol, 1100 Congress Ave. FREE. austinfilmmeet.com.
MOVIES IN THE PARK ++ 8 p.m. Milburn Park, 1901 Sun Chase Blvd., Cedar Park. FREE. cedarparktexas.gov.
ROUND ROCK EXPRESS VS MEMPHIS ++ 12 p.m. Dell Diamond, 3400 E. Palm Valley Blvd., Round Rock. $10 and up. roundrockexpress.com or 512‑255‑2255.
CONTINUING: Sprouts see Friday 2.
TUESDAY 6
CONTINUING: Round Rock Express vs Memphis see Friday 2.
FAMILY BOARD GAME NIGHT 5:30 p.m. Faulk Central Library, 800 Guadalupe, FREE. library.austintexas.gov or 512‑974‑7400.
SUNDAY 4
WEDNESDAY 7
CAR SHOW ++ 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Centennial Plaza, 301 W. Bagdad St., Round Rock. FREE. roundrocktexas.gov.
THE FOUNDRY GRAND OPENING 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Fine Arts Library, 510 E. 23rd St. FREE.
FREE FIRST SUNDAYS 12 to 5 p.m. Bullock Museum, 1800 N. Congress Ave. FREE. thestoryoftexas.com or 512‑936‑8746.
FREE FIRST SUNDAYS 1 to 4 p.m. Neill-Cochran House Museum, 2310 San Gabriel St. FREE. nchmuseum.org or 512‑478‑2335.
"A MOON OF MY OWN" BOOK LAUNCH 2 to 3 p.m. Book People, 603 N. Lamar Blvd. FREE. amoonofmyown.com or 512‑472‑5050.
IMPROV FOR KIDS! ++ 2 p.m. Hideout Theatre, 617 Congress Ave., $5. hideouttheatre.com or 512‑HIDEOUT.
SUNDAY SUMMER ANIMATION SERIES 2:15 p.m. Yarborough Branch Library, 2200 Hancock Dr. FREE. library.austintexas.gov or 512‑974‑8820.
SPLASH JAM 5 to 9 p.m. Milburn Park, 1901 Sun Chase Blvd., Cedar Park. FREE. cedarparktexas.gov.
SPACE 8: A MAKER LAB ++ 2 to 8 p.m. The Thinkery, 1830 Simond Ave. FREE with admission. thinkeryaustin.org.
COMMUNITY NIGHT ++ 4 to 8 p.m. The Thinkery, 1830 Simond Ave. By donation.
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: Sprouts see Friday 2.
THURSDAY 8 TWEEN/TEEN NIGHT 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Taylor Public Library, 801 Vance St., Taylor. FREE. taylortx.gov or 512‑352‑3434.
CONTINUING: Open House: Awesome Volunteer Opportunities see Thursday 1.
ROUND ROCK EXPRESS VS MEMPHIS ++ 6 p.m. Dell Diamond, 3400 E. Palm Valley Blvd., Round Rock. $10 and up. roundrockexpress.com or 512‑255‑2255. Pick us up at HEB, Whole Foods and Central Market
September 2016 l austinfamily.com
35
SATURDAY 10 BRIGHT LEAF GUIDED HIKES ++ 9 to 11:30 a.m. Bright Leaf Preserve, 2222 and Creek Mountain Rd. FREE. brightleaf.org or 512‑459‑7269. KYLE MARKET DAYS 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Historic City Square, 101 S. Burleson Rd., Kyle. FREE. cityofkyle.com.
Saturday, October 22nd 9:30-1:30 Old Settlers Park • Lakeview Pavilion Round Rock
MARKET DAYS ON THE SQUARE 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Downtown Square, Georgetown. FREE. georgetown.org.
Activities:
Kids fun zone (crafts, games, bouncy house and more), food, Canine costume contest (humans welcome to dress up too), Frisbee dog demo, shopping, food, door prizes, and more!
Free admission for kids, $5 suggested donation for adults
Get more info online at www.CentralTexasSPCA.org/Barktoberfest or email us at Barktoberfest@centraltexasSPCA.org
MONARCH APPRECIATION DAY 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Zilker Botanical Garden, 2220 Barton Springs Rd. FREE with admission. zilkergarden.org.
PINE STREET MARKET DAYS 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Downtown Historic Bastrop. FREE. bastroptexas.net. HANDS ON HISTORY 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Williamson Museum, 716 S. Austin Ave., Georgetown. FREE. williamsonmuseum.org or 512‑943‑1670.
SECOND SATURDAYS ARE FOR FAMILIES 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Laguna Gloria, 3809 West 35th Street. FREE. thecontemporaryaustin.org or 512‑458‑8191. KEEP AUSTIN WILD: PEACEFULLY COEXISTING WITH COYOTES 2 to 3 p.m. University Hills Branch Library, 4721 Loyola Ln. FREE. library.austintexas.org or 512‑974‑9940. CONTINUING: Nature Play Hour see Saturday 3; What's the Story Steve? see Saturday 3.
SUNDAY 11 LAKE UNDERWATER AND SHORELINE CLEANUP 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The Oasis on Lake Travis, 6550 Comanche Tr. FREE. keepaustinbeautiful.org. FAMILY DAY 12 to 4 p.m. Umlauf Sculpture Garden, 605 Robert E. Lee Rd. FREE. umlaufsculpture.org or 512‑445‑5582.
TICKETS START AT $25
SEPTEMBER 27–OCTOBER 2 • BASS CONCERT HALL BroadwayInAustin.com • 512.477.6060 • Groups 10+ 877.275.3804 Presented by Texas Performing Arts. Broadway Across America provides production services for Texas Performing Arts. Sales tax exempt pursuant to Texas Tax Code Section 151.3101 (a)(3).
36
September 2016 l austinfamily.com
View the magazine online at austinfamily.com
Visit our advertisers.
PLANET MUSIC: ETHNOS BAND 7:30 to 9 p.m. Asian American Resource Center, 8401 Cameron Rd. FREE. aystubtexas.gov/AARC or 512‑974‑1700. CONTINUING: Car Show see Sunday 4; Improv for Kids! see Sunday 4; Bright Leaf Guided Hikes see Saturday 10.
TUESDAY 13 FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT: ZOOTOPIA 6:30 p.m. Twin Oaks Branch, 1800 S. 5th St., library.austintexas.gov or 512‑974‑9980.
THIRD THURSDAYS 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Blanton Museum of Art, 200 E. MLK Blvd. FREE. blantonmuseum.org or 512‑471‑5482. COLORING NIGHT 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Taylor Library, 801 Vance St., Taylor. FREE. taylortx.gov or 512‑352‑3434.
FRIDAY 16 LONE STAR SCHOOL OF MUSIC 10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Uncle Billy's Restaurant, 1530 Barton Springs Rd. FREE. lonestarschoolofmusic.com or 512‑712‑5187.
WEDNESDAY 14 CONTINUING: Sprouts see Friday 2; Austin Barn Dancers see Wednesday 7; Community Night see Wednesday 7; Space 8: A Maker Lab see Wednesday 7.
THURSDAY 15 SCIENCE THURSDAY 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bullock Museum, 1800 N. Congress Ave. Free for pre-registered groups. thestoryoftexas.com or 512‑936‑8746.
Pick us up at HEB, Whole Foods and Central Market
September 2016 l austinfamily.com
37
CONTINUING: Music in the Park see Friday 2; Sprouts see Friday 2.
SATURDAY 17 GAULT ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE TOURS 9 a.m. Williamson Museum, 716 S. Austin Ave., Georgetown. $10. williamsonmuseum.org. POP-UP MARKET/CAR SHOW 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. City Hall, 200 W. Willis St., Leander. FREE. leandertx.gov.
IDENTIFICATION DAY 1 to 5 p.m. Texas Memorial Museum, 2400 Trinity St. FREE. tmm.utexas.edu or 512‑471‑1604. CONDOR DANZA 3 to 5:30 p.m. Cuauhtemoc Hall, 1100 Patton St., San Marcos. FREE child; $10 adult. Indigenouscultures.org. CONTINUING: Car Show see Sunday 4; Improv for Kids! see Sunday 4.
WEDNESDAY 21
PARADE AND MERMAID SPLASH 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Downtown San Marcos and San Marcos Plaza Park. FREE. mermaidsocietysmtx.com.
CONTINUING: Sprouts see Friday 2; Austin Barn Dancers see Wednesday 7; Community Night see Wednesday 7; Space 8: A Maker Lab see Wednesday 7.
CONTINUING: Nature Play Hour see Saturday 3; What's the Story Steve? see Saturday 3.
THURSDAY 22
SUNDAY 18
FAMILY NIGHT 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Taylor Public Library, 801 Vance St., Taylor. FREE. taylortx.gov or 512‑352‑3434.
MUSEUM DAY 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Museums throughout Austin. FREE. austinmuseums.org. WHAT MAKES YOU PROUD TO LIVE IN TEXAS 12 to 5 p.m. Bullock Museum, 1800 N. Congress Ave. FREE. thestoryoftexas.com or 512‑936‑8746.
FAMILY CRAFT NIGHT 7 p.m. Hampton Branch Library, 5125 Convict Hill Rd. library.austintexas.gov or 512‑974‑9900.
FRIDAY 23 FAMILY CAMPOUT/NATIONAL HUNTING AND FISHING DAY All day. Old Settlers Park, 3300 E. Palm Valley Blvd., Round Rock. $10 per person. roundrocktexas.gov. MEDITERRANEAN FESTIVAL ++ 6 to 11 p.m. St. Elias Antiochian Orthodox Church, 408 E. 11th St. Donation $5. sainteliaschurch.org/medfest.htm or 512‑476‑2314. LEANDER BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL ++ 6 to 10:30 p.m. Robin Bledsoe Park, 601 S. Bagdad Rd., Leander. FREE. leandertx.gov. MOVIES IN THE PARK 8 p.m. Milburn Park, 1901 Sun Chase Blvd., Cedar Park. FREE. cedarparktexas.gov. CONTINUING: Movies in the Park see Friday 9; Sprouts see Friday 2.
SATURDAY 24 KOZ NATIONAL HUNTING AND FISHING DAY 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Old Settlers Park, 3300 E. Palm Valley Blvd., Round Rock. FREE. roundrocktexas.gov or 512‑292‑1113.
38
September 2016 l austinfamily.com
View the magazine online at austinfamily.com
Visit our advertisers.
PUBLIC SAFETY DAY 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Texas Baptist Children's Home, 1101 N. Mays St., Round Rock. FREE. roundrocktexas.gov. PECAN STREET FESTIVAL 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sixth St. Historic District. FREE. pecanstreetfestival.org. MEDITERRANEAN FESTIVAL Noon to 11 p.m. St. Elias Antiochian Orthodox Church, 408 E. 11th St. Donation $5. sainteliaschurch.org/medfest.htm or 512‑476‑2314. CONTINUING: Nature Play Hour see Saturday 3; What's the Story Steve? see Saturday 3; Leander Bluegrass Festival see Friday 23.
SUNDAY 25 LONE STAR BOOK FESTIVAL 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Austin American Statesman parking lot, 305 S. Congress Ave. FREE.
FALL CONCERT IN THE PARK 7 to 8:30 p.m. Zilker Park, 2100 Barton Springs Rd. FREE. austinsymphonicband.org or 512‑345‑7420. CONTINUING: Improv for Kids! see Sunday 4; Pecan Street Festival see Sunday 24.
WEDNESDAY 28 FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT: ZOOTOPIA 5:30 p.m. Carver Branch Library, 1161 Angelina St. library.austintexas.gov or 512‑974‑1010. CULTURE NIGHTS 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. AGE Cafeteria, 3710 Cedar St. FREE. austinpowwow.net. FUELING EXTREMISM IN A WIRED WORLD 7 to 9 p.m. Bullock Museum, 1800 N. Congress Ave. $8 to $12. thestoryoftexas.com or 512‑936‑8746.
EMPOWERING KIDS AGES 3-19 THROUGH PERFORMING ARTS SINCE 1980
FULL-SCALE MUSICAL & PLAY PRODUCTIONS OTHER FUN CLASSES
Pick us up at HEB, Whole Foods and Central Market
September 2016 l austinfamily.com
39
CONTINUING: Sprouts see Friday 2; Austin Barn Dancers see Wednesday 7; Community Night see Wednesday 7; Space 8: A Maker Lab see Wednesday 7.
FRIDAY 30 CHALK WALK 5 to 10pm Cenntenial Plaza, 301 W. Bagdad St., Round Rock. FREE. roundrocktexas.gov. CONCERTS IN THE PARK 7 to 10 p.m. Milburn Park, 1901 Sun Chase Blvd., Cedar Park. FREE. cedarparktexas.gov.
CONTINUING: Sprouts see Friday 2.
Parenting Events ANY BABY CAN offers free parenting classes in English and Spanish on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Postpartum support group meets on Thursdays. 6207 Sheridan Ave. FREE. Anybabycan.org or 512‑454‑3743. YMCA offers a free Childhood Obesity Intervention Program on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays throughout the month. Various locations. AustinYmca.org or 512‑236‑9622. BRIDGES TO GROWTH offers a free Love and Logic early childhood parenting class on Wednesdays throughout the month. 7 to 8:30 p.m. 805 W. University Ave., Georgetown. GeorgetownProject.org or 512‑864‑3008. LA LECHE LEAGUE OF CENTRAL TEXAS hosts nine regular meetings in addition to play dates and gatherings in Austin, Round Rock, Killeen/Temple, Bryan-College Station and Waco. All breastfeeding mothers, babies and mothers-to-be are welcome to attend. Texaslll.org.
SATURDAY 3 CURANDERÍSMO: Indigenous Healing Workshop 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center, 600 River St. FREE. austintexas.gov.
MONDAY 26 BODIES, BOUNDARIES AND SEXUALITY 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Education Service Center, 5701 Springdale Rd. $30. Dsact.org.
Story Times Austin area libraries offer story times for infants, toddlers, preschoolers and families with children of all ages. In addition, there are story times in Spanish, Mandarin Chinese, American Sign Language and other languages. Contact your local library for more information about times and appropriate ages. AUSTIN LIBRARY Branches throughout Austin library.austintexas.gov 512-974-7400
FUNdamental
Technology Education
Robotics | Game Creation | Movie Making | Minecraft • After-school programs in Austin, Round Rock, Westlake,
Cedar Park, Leander & Dripping Springs • Available year-round for parties, special events & workshops • For ages 6 through 14 • Call for custom programs Register online it’s quick, easy and convenient! 512-415-4120 | AustinTx.BitsBytesBots.com
40
September 2016 l austinfamily.com
View the magazine online at austinfamily.com
Visit our advertisers.
CEDAR PARK LIBRARY 550 Discovery Blvd. cedarparktx.us 512-401-5600
BARNES AND NOBLE ARBORETUM 10000 Research Blvd. barnesandnoble.com 512-418-8985
GEORGETOWN LIBRARY 402 W. 8th St. library.georgetown.org 512-930-3551
BARNES AND NOBLE BEE CAVE 12701 Hill Country Blvd. barnesandnoble.com 512-263-7402
KYLE LIBRARY 550 Scott St. cityofkyle.com 512-268-7411
BARNES AND NOBLE BRODIE 5601 Brodie Ln. barnesandnoble.com 512-892-3493 BARNES AND NOBLE LAKELINE 14010 U.S. Hwy. 183 barnesandnoble.com 512-249-5644 BARNES AND NOBLE ROUND ROCK 2701 Parker Rd. barnesandnoble.com 512-600-0088
BOOKPEOPLE 603 N. Lamar Blvd. bookpeople.com 512-472-5050
Pick us up at HEB, Whole Foods and Central Market
September 2016 l austinfamily.com
41
LAKE TRAVIS LIBRARY 1938 Lohman’s Crossing laketravislibrary.org 512-263-2885
SAN MARCOS LIBRARY 625 E. Hopkins St. ci.san-marcos.tx.us 512-393-8200
LAURA’S LIBRARY 9411 Bee Cave Rd. westbanklibrary.com 512-381-1400
TAYLOR LIBRARY 801 Vance St. ci.taylor.tx.us 512-352-3434
LEANDER LIBRARY 1011 S. Bagdad Rd. leandertx.gov/library 512-259-5259
WELLS BRANCH LIBRARY 15001 Wells Port Dr. wblibrary.org 512-989-3188
PFLUGERVILLE LIBRARY 1008 W. Pfluger St. tx-pflugerville3.civicplus.com 512-990-6275
WESTBANK LIBRARY 1309 Westbank Dr. westbanklibrary.com 512-327-3045
ROUND ROCK LIBRARY 216 E. Main St. roundrocktexas.gov 512-218-7001
42
September 2016 l austinfamily.com
View the magazine online at austinfamily.com
Visit our advertisers.
Pick us up at HEB, Whole Foods and Central Market
September 2016 l austinfamily.com
43
44
September 2016 l austinfamily.com
View the magazine online at austinfamily.com
Visit our advertisers.
PIENSA POSITIVO by Leslie Montoya, Life Coach and Host of Despierta Austin
Atraes Lo Que Eres, No Lo Que Deseas Una vez escuche que dependiendo de la calidad de nuestros pensamientos y deseos sería la calidad de nuestra vida. Por ejemplo, si se tiene pensamientos de encontrar una buena pareja, es lo que se obtendrá. Sin embargo, con el tiempo me he dado cuenta que el solo desear algo, no es suficiente. Pregúntate ¿qué cualidades me gustaría que tuviera mi pareja? Una vez tengas en claro la lista de requisitos, proponte convertirte en esa persona. Verás como tu suerte empezará a cambiar y se presentarán oportunidades. Atraemos lo que somos, no lo que solo deseamos. Piensa Positivo!
Attract What You Are, Not What You Want I once heard that the quality of our thoughts and desires determines the quality of our life. For example, if you have thoughts to find a good match, that’s what you will get. But over time I realized that just wanting something is not enough. Ask yourself what qualities you would like your partner to have. Once you have a clear list of requirements, set a goal to become that person. You will see how your luck will begin to change, and opportunities present themselves. We attract what we are, not what we want. Think positive!
Pick us up at HEB, Whole Foods and Central Market
September 2016 l austinfamily.com
45
focus on advertisement
doctors
Dr. Barakah Day ADC Circle C Dr. Day is a board-certified pediatrician. She received her medical degree from the University of Texas Medical School at San Antonio and completed her internship and residency at the University of Texas Southwestern – Austin, Dell Children’s Medical Center of Central Texas. Now accepting appointments at 512-901-1111. See ad on page 48
Dr. Rachel Montgomery Lonestar Pediatric Dental Dr. Montgomery graduated from Baylor University in Waco, and followed up by attending the University of Texas Dental School in Houston. Her residency was completed at the Boston University School of Dental Medicine, with a specialty in pediatrics. Rachel can most likely be found spending time with her husband Marty and their precious boys. See ad on page 27
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 27
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
MARKET PLACE
BIRTHDAY PARTIES! ( For Ages 4 - 12 )
Dr. Luke Padwick Austin Emergency Center MD, MS trained at LA County King Medical Center. Dr. Padwick is a native of Hawaii, played rugby in England and has bicycled across the United States. See ad on page 20
austin.madscience.org
512-892-1143
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 38
46
September 2016 l austinfamily.com
View the magazine online at austinfamily.com
Visit our advertisers.
Shoebox Creations! Did you get new shoes for the new school year? Here are some fun and creative ways to get crafty with an empty shoebox! The possibilities are limitless when it comes to craft ideas incorporating a shoebox, especially a kid-size box. From bug houses to doll beds, a shoebox can always be reused! Use photos of friends and family events or cut out pretty photos from a magazine. Using tape or glue, attach the photo to the middle of the shoebox, facing out. Then with any materials you want, decorate around the photo. Hang little cutout stars or flowers, construct a tiny paper-and-string swing or put some rocks or sand on the bottom. Now you have a unique and adorable photo box. This makes a great low-cost gift as well! Using rope, tape and little a creativity, you can convert your box into a little carriage case.
the asia n american resource center presents
Tape the lids of two shoeboxes shut, so that you have two enclosed boxes. Using scissors, cut a diamond or cross into each box toward one end of the top and fold in the cardboard so that there is an opening for your foot. Decorate the boxes with paper, paint or even fuzzy cloth. Then stomp around like a monster! Don’t have a shoebox? We are happy to share! Just stop by kidOshoe and ask for one. kidOshoe is a local, family-owned shoe store next to Terra Toys. kidOshoe specializes in durable, high-quality shoes from around the world. Sizes newborn to youth 6.
FALL HOLIDAYS from AsiA FAIR And beyond sAturdAy, october 15, 2016 12 to 4pm free eVent Explore Fall Festivals from around the world! Cultural Experiences | Performances | Interactive Activities Food available for purchase Yunlin International Puppets Arts Festival Dussehra International Day of Peace
Mid-Autumn Festival Crop Over National Batik Day ... and more!
AsiAn AmericAn resource center 8401 Cameron Road. Austin, Texas 78754 512.974.1700 | aarc@austintexas.gov Learn more at austintexas.gov/aarc The City of Austin is proud to comply with the American Disabilities Act. If you require special assistance for participation in our programs or use of our facilities please call 512.974.1700.
Pick us up at HEB, Whole Foods and Central Market
September 2016 l austinfamily.com
47
just for by Carrie Taylor
grins
Sippy Cup Lessons Disclaimer: I actually do love being a stay-at-home mom.
I
remember the day my toddler graduated from sippy cups to regular cups like it was yesterday—mostly because it was yesterday, which is nice because pregnancy brain has erased all memories more than two weeks old.
But first, let me back up. When my son turned 18 months old, I pored over online developmental checklists and felt a deep disturbance: He can’t use a spoon! He can’t draw circles! He can’t say ‘Hello, how are you?’ in Spanish OR English! At his two-year appointment, my pediatrician asked if he could kick a soccer ball and jump. I gave a faint smile and said, “Sometimes,” as my heart raced and the next 16 years flashed before my eyes. My son can’t jump. He will never amount to anything.
I had dropped his sippy cup on the floor, and it was the last clean one until I could bring myself to tackle the dishes. The fall covered the lid with the dog hair I had been meaning to sweep up, so I decided to live on the edge and throw the cup away.
So yesterday I watched in wide-eyed fascination as my son’s chubby little hands cradled the cup and slowly tipped it back. He set it down on the table with a massive grin, and I almost burst into tears. Something in me switched. I’m much less concerned with keeping up with the Joneses and their athletic, bilingual children. I hold out hope that my son will be just fine if he doesn’t memorize the ABCs before he reaches 2-and-a-half. As I look toward the next developmental milestone in need of tackling—potty training—I am drowning out the fear of everlasting bedwetting with the assurance that he won’t be an 18-year-old college freshman in diapers. Hopefully.
af Carrie Taylor is a native Texan and mother of one.
WELCOME to ADC The Pediatricians at The Austin Diagnostic Clinic welcome two new team members: Barakah Day, M.D., ADC Circle C Christopher Saenz, M.D., ADC Steiner Ranch Both doctors are accepting new patients and accept most insurance plans. Call 512-901-1111 for appointments. Learn more about ADC doctors, specialties and services by visiting ADClinic.com. Christopher Saenz, MD ADC Steiner Ranch Pediatrics
Barakah Day, MD ADC Circle C Pediatrics
ADC Cedar Bend
2400 Cedar Bend Dr.
ADC Circle C
5701 W. Slaughter Ln., Bldg C
ADC Steiner Ranch 5145 RM 620 N., Bldg I
Pediatrics 512-901-1111 ADClinic.com
48
September 2016 l austinfamily.com
View the magazine online at austinfamily.com
Visit our advertisers.
austinfamily readers’ poll favorites 2016
Thank you, Austin! Voted best Child Care for the 18th year!
Now Accepting Fall Enrollments! $100 WAIVED ENROLLMENT FEE
for new families who enroll in September and mention Austin Family Magazine. S T E AM
(512)
459-0258
www.SteppingStoneSchool.com