Afm 2017 aug magazine

AUGUST 2017

smart parenting • healthy homes

Serving Austin’s Families Since 1992

BACK TO SCHOOL! No More Morning Chaos

15 Homework Tips Insights from the 2017 Teacher of the Year

Is Your Kid Shy? PLUS:

CO NTEST 201 8

AND 4th and 5th Graders, Enter Our Young Writers Contest!

INSIDE!

CALENDAR | EDUCATION GUIDE | ARTICULOS EN ESPAÑOL

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August 2017

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August 2017

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AUGUST 2017

smart parenting • healthy homes

12 Teacher Insights

14 Homework Helpers

in the 22 Order Morning

columns

calendar

en español

31 Museum Exhibits 31 Family Events 39 Parenting Events 40 Story Times

18 Asuntos Familiares

16 Family Matters

How Can I Help My Shy Child?

20 Lifelines

The Danger in Neglecting Baby Teeth

26

The Learning Curve

What a High School Counselor Can Do for Your Student

28 Family Connections E-Readers Let You Carry the World in Your Bag

48 Just for Grins

It’s Been Real, Summer

tune in:

Puedo Ayudar a mi Tímida Hija?

42 Piensa Positivo

La Razón de Dejar de Soñar

in every issue 7

Play It Safe Recalls

8 Around Austin 46 Kidzone A Healthier S’more

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by Jack Kyser Dunkirk

1 Young Writers Contest 17 Cover Kids Contest 24 Education Guide 47 Focus on Doctors

Catch Austin Family live on “Good Day Austin” every Friday morning and “Despierta Austin” the first Friday morning of each month.

FILM REVIEW This month’S review:

extras follow us:

New items each week. Visit our website to register.

Read online at: www.austinfamily.com/films

On the Cover Elijah, 10, loves to read, write and improve his time solving the Rubik’s Cube.

Photo by Jordan Ashley Photography.

August 2017

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®

BY S H E R I DA M O C K

August 2017

A

nother school year is about to begin, and although I won’t be gracing the rolls of an institution of learning myself this year, I am thinking of all the students walking into a school—maybe for the first time—and wondering what the year holds for them.

Maybe they’ll meet a teacher they never forget. Maybe they’ll make the friend of a lifetime. Maybe they’ll take up a new sport or hobby that sets them on a path they never imagined.

But to get that far, they’ve got to go to school in the first place, so this month Austin Family is bringing you articles to help you get your students out the door and into the classroom. Laura Reagan offers up her advice for avoiding the morning rush, and Janeen Lewis gives us 15 tips for supporting your student’s homework. To round out our features, I chatted with the 2017 Texas Elementary School Teacher of the Year, who happens to live and work in Austin. She let us in on her philosophy for success in the classroom, and I hope it will make a difference for you, as well.

And we’ve got plenty of other articles to launch this school year, from advice on encouraging a shy kid to ways a school counselor can boost your high schooler’s last years before graduation.

Welcome back to school, everyone!

Volume 25, No. 5

PUBLISHER Kaye K. Lowak

EDITOR Sherida Mock: editor2003@austinfamily.com

COPY EDITOR Barb Matijevich

ADVISING EDITORS Dr. Betty Kehl Richardson, Barb Matijevich

CALENDAR EDITOR Betty Kemper: calendar2003@austinfamily.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Sherida Mock, Dr. Betty Richardson, Jack Kyser, Richard Singleton, Carrie Taylor, Brenda Schoolfield, Margaret Nicklas, Janeen Lewis and Laura Lyles Reagan

TRANSLATION Maribel Ruvalcaba

GRAPHIC DESIGN Susie Forbes & Kim Crisler

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Jordan Ashley Photography

ADVERTISING SALES Kaye K. Lowak: kaye2003@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 Safety Gates, Children’s Robes and Pool Motors Madison Mill is recalling about 25,000 safety gates because a young child’s neck can fit into the V-shaped opening along the top edge of the gate, posing entrapment and strangulation hazards.

The recall involves Madison Mill 23 and 25 foldaway expandable safety gates.

Affected units were sold at Do It Best stores and other independent hardware stores nationwide between January 2013 and May 2017 for between $20 and $35. Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled safety gates and contact Madison Mill for a full refund.

Kreative Kids is recalling about 7,600 children’s robes because they fail to meet flammability standards for children’s sleepwear, posing a risk of burn injuries.

The recall involves eight styles of 100 percent polyester, hooded robes. Affected units were sold online at Amazon.com and at gift and specialty stores in California, Iowa, New York, Ohio and Texas from September 2013 to April 2017 for between $15 and $17. Consumers should immediately take the recalled robes away from children and contact Kreative Kids for a full refund.

Nidec Motor is recalling about 16,000 swimming pool motors because the pump control cover can be improperly grounded, posing an electrical shock hazard.

The recall involves variable speed swimming pool motors with a programmable user interface on the top. “Emerson” or “EcoTech EZ” is printed on the top of the control box. Affected units were sold at Leslie’s Pool Supply and other retail stores and wholesale pool suppliers from September 2010 to October 2016 for between $400 and $500. Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled pool motors and contact Nidec Motor Corp. to schedule a free repair to install an external ground lead.

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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Give them an education they’ll carry FOREVER.

CONSIDER CATHOLIC EDUCATION AT A SCHOOL IN YOUR AREA Cathedral School of Saint Mary Holy Family Catholic School ELEMENTARY St. Austin Catholic School & MIDDLE SCHOOLS St. Gabriel’s Catholic School St. Helen Catholic School, Georgetown

HIGH SCHOOLS

St. Ignatius Martyr Catholic School St. Louis Catholic School St. Mary’s Catholic School, Taylor St. Theresa’s Catholic School Santa Cruz Catholic School, Buda

St. Dominic Savio Catholic High School St. Michael’s Catholic Academy San Juan Diego Catholic High School

TO L E A R N M O R E V I S I T W W W. C S DAT X . O R G August 2017

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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

Social and Emotional Learning

Domestic Violence

Research from UT Austin finds that school social and emotional learning (SEL) programs must go beyond improving individual students’ skills to create a respectful climate and allow teens more autonomy in decision making.

The National Domestic Violence Hotline (The Hotline) recently received a $10,000 grant from the Texas Bar Foundation to support work in providing legal resources to women, men and young people who are affected by relationship abuse.

In an analysis published in Future of Children, UT Austin psychology assistant professor David Yeager identified and evaluated three types of SEL programs: the skills model, focused on changes made to the individual; the climate model, geared toward improving the emotional environment; and the mindsets model, which addresses the interplay between environments and the beliefs that develop and shape behavior over time.

“Effective programs are not based on the skills model,” says Yeager. “Instead, they find ways to motivate young people in terms of the values that matter most to them and find ways to make environments more respectful.”

Yeager found that skill-based SEL programs taught in elementary classrooms cannot be simply “revamped” for teen audiences; rather, approaches that tap into teens’ values and influence the overall climate are most effective.

Students and teachers at Webb Middle School practice mindfulness techniques as part of the school’s SEL program. Photo courtesy of AISD.

Blues on the Green

8

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The Texas Museum of Science and Technology (TXMOST) in Cedar Park announced it will close from Aug. 22 to Sept. 20 to remodel exhibition space, expand the TimeWalk exhibit and install two new touring exhibits. The renovated space will be unveiled at an opening gala on Sept. 21.

Month

Austin Ice Cream Festival

August 2017

If you or someone you know needs help, call The Hotline at 1-800799-SAFE (7233). Trained advocates can offer support, crisis intervention information and referral services in more than 200 languages. Or visit TheHotline.org to chat live with advocates and find information about domestic violence, safety planning, local resources and ways to support the organization.

Museum Renovation

Must-Do This 02

The donation will help connect domestic abuse victims to legal assistance in Texas. Advocates from The Hotline say they often hear from victims and survivors whose abusive partners make threats related to immigration, finances, physical harm or custody of children as tactics used for control in the relationship. They work with victims and survivors to assess these tactics and provide resources to best address each situation.

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Family Day at the Umlauf

For nearly 13 years, TXMOST was known as the Austin Planetarium and provided programs around Central Texas with a mobile planetarium. In March 2015, TXMOST established a fixed facility in Cedar Park.

For more information, visit txmost.org.

The touring Tutankhamun exhibition leaves TXMOST on Aug. 22 as the museum closes for a month of renovation.

Photo courtesy of TXMOST.

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Musical Story Times In its first production for older children, the Austin Public Library is hosting Literature Live! Presents: The Fifolet for youth ages 8 to 12. The term fifolet comes from Louisiana folklore and refers to a glowing ball of light, often rumored to mark buried pirate treasure.

Each production includes live musical accompaniment by Joseph Palmer of the Austin Guitar Society.

Shows will be performed on Aug. 1 at 4 p.m. at University Hills Branch; on Aug. 3 at 6 p.m. at Manchaca Rd. Branch; on Aug. 4 at 3 p.m. at Little Walnut Creek Branch; on Aug. 6 at 2 p.m. at Faulk Central Library; on Aug. 7 at 2 p.m. at Windsor Park Branch; and on Aug. 19 at 3 p.m. at Recycled Reads. For more information, visit library.austintexas.gov.

Joseph Palmer rehearses for Literature Live!

Presents: The Fifolet.

Photo by Sherida Mock.

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Nutrition App Whole Kids Foundation recently launched Starting with Soil, a free tablet-based organic education app, to help kids and parents to learn what it looks and feels like to grow food.

The app functions as an interactive story in four chapters. The first three chapters demonstrate how nature creates soil and how long this process takes, the importance of pollinators, and the critical roles that animals, the weather, microorganisms and cover crops play in organic farming. The final chapter presents ways families can explore organic education at home, in school, in the community or while they shop.

“We wanted to create a playful way to help kids understand the importance of healthy soil and see first-hand the roles that plants, animals and people play in keeping it balanced,” says Nona Evans, president and executive director of Whole Kids Foundation. “We think it’s critical kids understand where food comes from, the process it goes through to land on our plates and the significant effects these processes have on our environment, communities and bodies.”

The app is available through Google Play and the App Store.

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by the

numbers

Cost of Bullying

13%

Amount of children who walk or bike to school, down from 50% in 1969 When children avoid school to avoid bullying, states can lose tens of millions of dollars in funding, finds new research from UT Austin. Published in School Psychology Quarterly, the research highlights the hidden cost to communities in states that use daily attendance numbers to calculate public school funding.

“Bullying is a big social problem that not only creates an unhealthy climate for individuals but also undermines schools and communities,” says Stephen Russell, professor and chair of human development and family sciences at UT Austin.

Some states—including Texas—use a formula known as average daily attendance to allocate certain school funds. Schools that receive funding based on children’s

Source: Safe Routes to School National Partnership

75,600 minutes Length of the public school year in Texas

$27.3 billion Total back-to-school spending in the US Source: National Retail Federation

Source: Texas Education Agency

presence rather than based on total enrollment will have lower revenue when children miss school for any reason.

Russell’s analysis showed that 10.4 percent of students reported they missed at least one day of school in the past month because of feeling unsafe.

School Supplies Volunteers and donations are needed for the annual School Supplies Sunday/Kutz for Kidz event taking place Aug. 20 in Round Rock.

The event expects to provide over 7,000 students with school supplies, haircuts, lunch and hearing and eye exams.

Volunteer opportunities are available for three separate days: sorting on Aug. 17, packing on Aug. 18 and distribution on Aug. 20. To volunteer, visit signup.com/go/zgqmMSe. Donations for the event are also being accepted. Visit rrisdeducationfoundation.org for more information.

SUMMER’S STILL HERE...

AND SO ARE SWIM LESSONS AT THE Y

Summer may be winding down, but families are still hitting the water to cool off. That’s why it’s never too late to learn how to swim. And the YMCA is here with classes available year-round to keep kids safe.

NOW ENROLLING! ·Ages 6 months & Up

· Group & Private Lesson Options

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Call 512.730.YMCA or visit AustinYMCA.org

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Insights from the

Teacher of the Year Teachers of the Year. There are 20 different regions in Texas, and each of them name an elementary and a secondary Teacher of the Year. The whole event was just incredible, to be in the space with so many talented and inspiring fellow educators. It was not a recognition that I was expecting, but it was an honor.

BY S H E R I DA M O C K

AF: What goals do you set for yourself?

Ashley: I have many. Toward the end

Last October, Allison Ashley of Austin ISD was named 2017 Texas Elementary Teacher of the Year by the Texas Association of School Administrators. It was an honor Ashley didn’t see coming, but in speaking with her, that passion for education clearly shines through. She holds a master’s degree from the Harvard Graduate School of Education and has spent over a decade as a bilingual education teacher—seven of those years with Austin ISD. In what was a very busy summer for someone who’s always learning, Ashley took time to chat with us about receiving the honor, her teaching philosophy and her advice for new teachers.

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AF: What drew you to this field?

Ashley: I entered teaching because

I wanted to serve my community and I learned about Teach for America in college. The mission of that organization spoke to me.

Its focus on using education to expand opportunities for all kids, but especially those in low-income areas, compelled me to look into teaching and join the profession.

AF: What was it like working for Teach for America?

Ashley: Overall, it was an incredible

experience. There are undoubtedly many challenges that lots of first-year teachers face in the classroom, but through hard work and connecting with students and constantly focusing on bettering my craft, I started to see results and an impact on students, and that was super-motivating and kept me going.

AF: How did you find out you’d been named Texas Teacher of the Year?

Ashley: They did a recognition

luncheon at the Bob Bullock Museum.

It was an awesome event. They brought together all the 40 regional

of the second semester, I start jotting down things that went well and things that I want to improve upon. Over the past couple of years, I’ve focused a lot on trying to work more closely with the families and caregivers of my students and learn from them about their children and hear what their goals are for the education of their child and let them know my vision and where things are headed in my class. That came out of that reflection process toward the end of the year.

You know, our education system is by no means perfect. There are things that are going well, and excellence does exist, but as a whole there’s still so much room for improvement, especially our at-risk youth. That compels me to continue working my hardest to improve.

AF: What goals do you set for your students?

Ashley: There’s a range of goals. For

sure there’s the piece of developing students to be good citizens, to have positive self-identity, to learn how to work across lines of difference and to engage respectfully with peers.

It really takes getting to know the students, their strengths and what their areas for growth are, how they see themselves and how they see their strengths and barriers. That feeds into how I approach setting those goals and the best avenue to pursue those goals with the students.

Obviously, there’s the academic side, which is also very critical. Without

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working on that first piece of students developing positive identities and having confidence and learning how to work respectfully in a collaborative environment, you can’t get to the academic piece. Or maybe you do, but it’s not as meaningful.

Knowing their interests, knowing their learning style, diagnosing where they are at the beginning of the year, figuring out what an ambitious and feasible goal is, that’s where I start that process. Obviously, I have guidance from the state. They tell us what we have to teach, but that’s kind of the floor and not the ceiling of the way I view my work with students.

AF: What challenges do teachers experience?

Ashley: Quite a few, I think. There’s

so much that we want to do in just a limited amount of time. Trying to figure out what the most impactful lessons and community building activities are is a challenge. Mixed in with that, there’s different policies and demands on our time and things we have to do.

It’s sorting through all of that.

AF: Tell us about your new role this school year.

Ashley: I will be working as

an Instructional Coach at Becker

Elementary. In that role, I’ll be supporting campus-wide initiatives and programs and systems that we have in place here. Also, I’ll be working collaboratively with teachers to support their development in the classroom.

AF: Any advice for new teachers?

Ashley: Gosh, the first year of

teaching is hard. There’s lots of advice I could give, but overall just getting to know your students is so important, and the basis for building mutual respect in the classroom and a positive community where students feel supported—the basis for all that is knowing them. My advice would be to love your kids, and you have to know them to do that.

Another challenge is working with a wide range of individuals and learners.

Each student brings in different interests, different learning styles, different readiness levels academically, different personalities. Trying to get to know students as quickly as you can and as deeply as you can at the beginning of the year and using that information to push the whole class forward is pretty complex work that often is overlooked by people outside of education.

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Homework Helpers!

Tips to Support Your Student

BY JA N E E N L E W I S

Let’s be honest – sometimes parents dread homework as much as their kids do. But homework connects parents to what their children are learning in school, and research shows that children are more likely to be successful in school when their families support them. By following these tips, even the most homework-challenged parents can help their children have a successful homework year.

1. Understand the reason for homework.

Homework reinforces what is being taught in the classroom and teaches students important life skills– responsibility, time management and task completion. Children should be able to complete the work with little help from parents, and they shouldn’t come home with an entirely new concept to learn. Homework should be practice or an extension of what they’ve already learned.

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2. Know the teacher’s philosophy.

Teachers have different philosophies about how much homework to assign.

Some think piling on a ton of homework helps build character. Others think children have done enough work during the day and don’t assign any.

Understand where your child’s teacher falls on the homework spectrum so you’re not surprised as the homework does (or doesn’t) come home. If you’re unsure what a reasonable amount of homework is, the National Education Association and the National Parent Teacher Association recommend 10-20 minutes of homework per night in the 1st grade and an additional 10 minutes per grade after that.

3. Learn what the homework rules are.

At your school’s open house night, learn the homework policy of the school and your child’s teacher. What are the consequences for lost or forgotten homework? Don’t be quick to bail your child out every time you get a frantic text message about forgotten homework.

One of the purposes of homework is to teach responsibility.

4. Get organized.

Your child should have a backpack and homework folder to carry assignments between home and school. Teachers of elementary school students usually send homework notes each night. If your middle school or high school student’s teacher doesn’t require her to record school work in an assignment book, provide one yourself and show her how to fill it out.

5. Schedule a consistent time.

With sports, service projects, church and community activities, it can be hard to schedule one set time every day to do homework. Aim for as much consistency as possible when scheduling homework around after-school activities.

6. Designate a study space.

Pick a homework space free from distractions. But consider your child’s personality and ability to focus when selecting a homework station. Some kids concentrate best in complete quiet at the kitchen table or a desk. Others study well on their bed with background music.

And reading areas can be creative, like a reading tent or comfy bean bag. Make study areas free from video games, television and the games of other siblings who finish homework early.

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7. Create a supply caddy.

Fill a plastic caddy or bin organizer with items your child might need for homework. Some good supplies are pencils, markers, crayons, glue, tape, stapler, three-hole punch, paper clips, notebook paper, art paper, graph paper, calculator, protractor, compass, ruler and a dictionary/thesaurus combo.

Also provide a wipe-off calendar for important due dates.

14. Reward.

Homework rewards don’t have to be elaborate, but you may want to up the ante for a struggling child or one who is hard to motivate. A reward can be something as simple as a fun activity when they finish. But you can also keep a homework incentive chart and let your child earn a special activity with Mom or Dad, some extra screen time or a dinner out.

15. Don’t be afraid to speak up.

If you think too much homework is coming home, that your child isn’t familiar with the material or that he is struggling, don’t be too intimidated to schedule a conference with your child’s teacher. Most teachers welcome feedback and want to help your child succeed. af Janeen Lewis is a freelance journalist and teacher with a Master’s Degree in education.

8. Be available, but don’t do the work.

Helping your child with homework is a great way to connect with them, but don’t spoon feed answers. The whole point of homework is for children to practice skills independently.

9. Use a timer if necessary.

Sometimes children like to procrastinate. Some children like the challenge of beating the clock. Either way, a timer keeps a child focused on the finish line.

10. Keep a resource bookshelf.

Can’t remember what a gerund is? A little rusty on what the terms perpendicular and parallel mean?

Keep an assortment of reference books or save online references to your Favorites list on your computer.

A good math dictionary for parents of elementary students is Math Dictionary: Homework Help for Families by Judith de Klerk. Another great resource is the Everything You Need to Know About Homework series set by Anne Zeman and Kate Kelly.

11. Create a class group.

How many times has your child left his spelling words at school or forgotten a lesson? Help your child make a list of friends he can contact or get to know other parents in your child’s class so you can get in touch about assignments.

12. Model learning as a priority.

Let your child see you reading the newspaper or books. Discuss current events, politics or the new art or history museum you want to visit. Find exciting tidbits in their homework lessons and research them. Show by example that learning is fun.

13. Encourage.

No matter how tired you are, have a positive attitude about the work your child is doing. Encourage her efforts and let her know you are proud of her.

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BY B E T T Y R I C H A R D S O N

My 4th grader is shy and has a learning disability. We just moved here, and I’d love for her to make new friends. I don’t want to make this awkward for her by pointing out that I know she’s shy. How can I help her?

6. Introduce your child to new interests, possibly through reading or trips to places that present new interests, such as an animal shelter, a recital by music students, a cooking class or a place to volunteer with Mom.

How Can I

Help

My Shy Child?

A

Your question is a common concern of many parents who have shy children—with or without learning disabilities. You probably need to deal with both issues, but keep in mind they may or may not be separate issues.

Shy kids in some cases are more introverted or sensitive than others. It’s best not to label these kids in front of them with statements like, “I’d like you to meet my little shy girl.” Labels can be hurtful and even self-fulfilling.

There are many options for increasing your daughter’s circle of friends, but remember in the end she’ll probably select her own friends. Sometimes friends come from the neighborhood or school and other times from a common interest such as sports or a hobby. A new friend might come from a group a child joins, such as Girl Scouts.

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Here are some suggestions for you: 1. H elp her practice social skills by each holding a stuffed animal and speaking for them, as in, “Have you met my father? Let me introduce you to him.”

Practicing social skills (including eye contact and social scripts) can help children with social interactions. It can especially help the child who has learning disabilities.

2. M eet your neighbors. Bake or buy some cookies and take your daughter with you to knock on doors and deliver your treats. This will help you find neighbors with children the same age and give you a chance to model not being shy.

3. I nvite any neighborhood children who are your daughter’s age, one at a time, for a play date such as a picnic or a trip to the museum.

4. C onsider helping a Girl Scout leader and taking your daughter along to meetings to see if she is interested in Scouts, where she’ll have contact with some girls her age. Ask your daughter to help in prepping for the meeting.

5. Ask the teacher if he or she can help your daughter interact with other kids in the classroom.

7. C onsider starting an after-school or weekend group for girls. This could be a book club, a cooking club or any kind of group that might fit with your daughter’s interests or needs in terms of making friends and/or dealing with her learning disabilities. A book club would enable you to work with your daughter on reading skills.

8. Reward efforts by your child to do new things and interact with others. This could be a smile or a few words of encouragement.

I often volunteer to help with children’s activities. The children make crafts or drawings. I see children who approach the activities with great enthusiasm, as well as children who seem shy and refuse to take part with a shake of the head and a quick retreat from the craft table.

Are these kids shy or afraid of failure in making something that isn’t perfect?

Or could they just lack self-confidence?

Kids who shy away from making friends or doing activities need encouragement.

Their every effort to break away from shyness needs to bring a smile to your lips and a few positive words. af Betty Richardson, PhD, RNC, LPC, LMFT, is an Austin-based psychotherapist.

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BY B E T T Y R I C H A R D S O N

P

Mi hija de cuarto grado es tímida y tiene una discapacidad de aprendizaje.

Nos acabamos de mudar aquí, y me encantaría que ella hiciera nuevas amigas. No quiero hacer esto incómodo para ella señalando que yo sé que es tímida. ¿Cómo puedo ayudarla?

¿Cómo Puedo Ayudar a mi Tímida Hija?

R

Su pregunta es una preocupación común de muchos padres que tienen hijos tímidos, con o sin discapacidades de aprendizaje. Probablemente necesitará lidiar con ambos problemas, pero tenga en cuenta que pueden o no ser cuestiones separadas.

Los niños tímidos en algunos casos son más introvertidos o sensibles que otros.

Es mejor no etiquetar a estos niños frente a ellos con frases como, “me gustaría presentarte a mi pequeña niña tímida”. Las etiquetas pueden ser hirientes y hasta incluso auto-satisfactoria.

Hay muchas opciones para aumentar el círculo de amigas de su hija, pero recuerde que al final ella probablemente seleccionará sus propias amigas. A veces los amigos vienen del vecindario o de la escuela y otras veces de un interés común como el deporte o un hobby. Una nueva amiga podría surgir de un grupo al cual la niña se afilia, como las Girl Scouts.

Aquí hay algunas sugerencias para usted: 1. Ayúdela practicando habilidades sociales

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animales, un recital de estudiantes de música, una clase de cocina o un lugar para ser voluntaria con mamá.

entre los dos sosteniendo un animal de peluche y hablando por ellos, como por ejemplo, “¿Conoces a mi papa? Déjame presentártelo.” Practicar las habilidades sociales (incluyendo el contacto visual y los guiones sociales) puede ayudar a los niños con interacciones sociales. Puede ayudar especialmente al niño que tiene dificultades de aprendizaje.

2. Conozca a sus vecinos. Hornee o compre algunas galletas y lleve a su hija con usted a tocar las puertas y entregarlas a sus vecinos. Esto le ayudará a encontrar a vecinos con niños de la misma edad y le dará la oportunidad de modelar no ser tímido.

3. Invite a los niños del vecindario que son de la edad de su hija, uno a la vez, para pasar un tiempo de juego, como un picnic o un viaje al museo.

4. Considere ayudar a un líder de Girl Scout y lleve a su hija a las reuniones para ver si ella está interesada en ser exploradora, donde tendrá contacto con algunas niñas de su edad. Pídale a su hija que le ayude a prepararse para la reunión.

5. Pregúntele al maestro si él o ella puede ayudar a su hija a interactuar con otras niñas en el salón de clase.

6. Preséntele a su hija nuevos intereses, posiblemente a través de la lectura o viajes a sitios que presentan nuevos intereses, como un refugio para los

7. Considere la posibilidad de comenzar un grupo después de la escuela o un fin de semana para las niñas. Esto podría ser un club de lectura, un club de cocina o cualquier tipo de grupo que corresponda con los intereses o necesidades de su hija en términos de hacer amigos o relacionados con su problema de aprendizaje. Un club de lectura le permitirá trabajar con su hija en habilidades de lectura.

8. R ecompense los esfuerzos de su hija por hacer cosas nuevas e interactuar con los demás. Esto podría ser una sonrisa o unas palabras de aliento.

A menudo me ofrezco de voluntaria para ayudar con las actividades de los niños.

Los niños hacen artesanías o dibujos. Veo a niños que se acercan a las actividades con gran entusiasmo, así como a niños que parecen tímidos y se niegan a tomar parte haciendo un movimiento de cabeza y retirándose rápidamente de la mesa de artesanía. ¿Son tímidos estos niños o tienen miedo a fracasar haciendo algo que no es perfecto? ¿O podrían simplemente carecer de confianza en sí mismos? Los niños que tímidamente se alejan de hacer actividades o hacer amigos necesitan ser animados. Cada esfuerzo que ella hace para romper con la timidez necesita recompensarse con una sonrisa en sus labios y unas palabras positivas.af

Betty Richardson, PhD, RNC, LPC, LMFT, Les una psicoterapeuta establecida en Austin.

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BY B R E N DA S C H O O L F I E L D

The Danger in Neglecting Baby Teeth Early childhood caries is the term dentists use for decay in a child’s “baby” teeth. It’s a rapid form of tooth decay caused by infectious bacteria. The number of children getting early childhood caries is on the rise, particularly in low-income families.

In fact, it’s now the most common chronic early childhood disease in the US—outranking ear infections, allergies and asthma. It’s often called a “silent epidemic” because this type of decay goes undiagnosed and untreated in many children. In Texas, about 1 in 5 young students has untreated tooth decay, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) cautions that early childhood caries can cause lasting harm due to pain, damage to permanent teeth and crooked teeth.

The disease makes children more likely to have tooth decay and dental problems in the future and can affect a child’s general health. Problems can include sinus and ear infections, trouble chewing (which impacts nutrition and growth) and life-threatening infections.

School attendance and academic performance also are impacted.

The good news is that early childhood caries can be prevented. The AAPD and American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommend that children have their first visit to the dentist before their first birthday. Most babies visit a pediatrician several times before their first birthday, but very few go to the dentist. In an AAPD survey, only 60 percent of parents thought their child should see a dentist before the first birthday, and only 25 percent actually took their child to the dentist.

Protect Your Child’s Teeth • Give drinking water that contains fluoride. Go to the CDC’s My Water’s Fluoride website to find out the level of fluoride in your tap water.

• If your drinking water doesn’t have enough fluoride, ask your dentist or healthcare provider about oral fluoride supplements.

• Make sure your child brushes twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.

• If your child is younger than 2 years old, don’t use fluoride toothpaste unless your dentist tells you to. Instead, wet a small, soft-bristled toothbrush with plain water.

• If your child is younger than 6 years old, supervise her toothbrushing. Use only a pea-sized amount of toothpaste.

Make sure the child spits it out and doesn’t swallow it.

• Talk to your dentist or healthcare provider about fluoride varnish after your child’s first tooth erupts.

• Take your child to a dentist for an initial checkup before her first birthday.

Information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.

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To help address the early childhood caries epidemic, pediatricians and other healthcare providers can now be certified to perform a limited oral health evaluation and apply fluoride varnish. Fluoride varnish is highconcentrated fluoride solution that is painted directly onto the teeth. It helps make tooth enamel more resistant to the development of caries. It also helps stop the growth of bacteria. Introduced in Europe in 1964, fluoride varnish has been proven to be very effective and safe. In a recent Cochrane Oral Health Review, data from 10 clinical trials showed a 37 percent reduction in baby tooth caries in children who had applications of fluoride varnish.

Risk Factors for Tooth Decay • Consuming food or drinks high in sugar • Eating refined carbs or foods high in sugar between meals • Going to sleep with a bottle of formula, milk or juice • Low fluoride levels in drinking water • Not brushing teeth properly or often enough • Not using fluoride toothpaste • Poor oral health in the mother or primary caregivers

To be most effective, applications of fluoride varnish should begin before caries develops. The US Prevention Services Task Force recommends that healthcare providers apply fluoride varnish to the baby teeth starting after the first tooth erupts. If caries has already developed, two applications of fluoride varnish given within a period of four months can be effective in reversing the decay.

Fluoride varnish is safer than other topical fluorides because the amount placed in the mouth contains one-tenth of what is contained in other applied products. af Brenda Schoolfield is a freelance medical writer who splits her time between Austin and Seattle.

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Up and Out in No Time 3 Ways to Avoid the Morning Rush

3. Prepare for success.

BY L AU R A LY L E S R E AGA N Wow, you’re out of bed on time! Thanks for setting your own alarm. I love hugging you in the morning instead of nagging you to get up.

Eat your breakfast! Hurry up; you’ll be late! Where’s your backpack?

Parents at their wits’ end with the morning rush may find themselves yelling these phrases to sleepy kids. But peaceful morning routines don’t happen with the phrases above. Preferred behavior happens when we cultivate good communication habits with our children.

And a new school year is a great time to start routines that make mornings happier and less stressful. Behaviorists tell us discipline that promotes positive behavior is more effective than efforts to extinguish negative behavior. With that in mind, here are a few suggestions for launching morning routines that set and affirm positive behavior.

1. Praise, affirm and reward the good behavior.

When you see good behavior in your children, praise it, praise it, praise it. You might catch your kids doing their homework, treating others respectfully or being responsible for themselves. Here’s what you might say.

I like how you put your finished homework in your backpack so we don’t have to hunt for it in the morning.

Thank you for hanging up your coat so we know where to find it in the morning.

Thanks so much for taking your little brother’s uniform out of the dryer when you got your own.

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2. Redirect negative behavior.

When bad behavior occurs, state the behavior you want and offer an alternative.

Giving children choices empowers them to take responsibility for their own lives and behavior. Knowing a child’s interests and motivations is necessary to be successful in redirecting behavior. Here are two examples.

Discipline that promotes positive behavior is more effective than efforts to extinguish negative behavior.

When Grace rushes through her tooth brushing and face washing routines, ask her to go back and try again so she can be first to pick what she wants to go in her lunchbox for the day.

If Juan is late to the breakfast table because he forgot to set his alarm, tell him something like this: “In order to not make your brother and sister late, you’ll have to take breakfast with you. You can eat an apple and a granola bar in the car or put a pear and dry cereal box in your backpack for later.”

Have a school prep plan, work the plan and reward the plan. Set clear expectations and follow through. Here’s an example.

4 Prep the backpack Backpacks should be packed the night before school. When they are, reward that positive behavior with special praise or a small treat.

4 Pick out school clothes The next day’s outfit (including socks and shoes) should be chosen the night before.

Reward children for doing so by allowing a special privilege when they get home the next afternoon.

4 Keep regular bedtimes Kids—and adults—can’t get up on time without going to bed on time. Establish positive bedtime rituals, like reading books, and keep them. Buy your child his own alarm and praise him when he uses it to get up.

4 Practice what you preach Modeling the behavior you want is foundational to morning routine success.

This can include Mom declaring, “See, I got my laptop bag ready for work ahead of time; I’m so proud of myself!”

4 Use a reward system Behavior charts help kids take responsibility for their own behavior. Instead of parents reminding or nagging about brushing teeth or feeding the dog, put the behaviors that need to be accomplished on a poster board in list form. Put a check or gold star on the behaviors when kids do them without being reminded. When the checks, stars or points add up, reward the kids every Friday. It’s truly amazing what kids will do for a sticker book or what tweens will do for movie tickets.

Laura Lyles Reagan is a freelance writer and author of How to Raise Respectful Parents.

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2017-2018 PRIVATE SCHOOLS

Infant - Kindergarten

ACE ACADEMY www.austingifted.org 3901 Shoal Creek Blvd., Austin 512-206-4070 CATHEDRAL SCHOOL OF SAINT MARY’S www.smcschoolaustin.org 910 San Jacinto, Austin 512-476-1480 CHALLENGER SCHOOL www.challengerschool.com 15101 Avery Ranch Rd., Austin 512-341-8000 1521 Joyce Ln., Round Rock 512-255-8844 13015 Pond Springs Rd., Austin 512-258-1299 HILL COUNTRY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL of Austin www.hillcountrychristianschool.org 12124 RR 620 N., Austin 512-331-7036 HOLY FAMILY CATHOLIC SCHOOL www.holyfamilycs.org 9400 Neenah Ave., Austin 512-246-4455 HYDE PARK SCHOOLS www.hp-schools.org 3901 Speedway, Austin 512-465-8344 JARDIN DE NINOS INTERLINGUA www.austinbilingualschool.com 8707 Mountain Crest Dr., Austin 512-432-5317 2700 W. Anderson Ln., Austin 512-299-5732 107 R.R. 620, Ste. 300, Lakeway 512-466-2409 ST. ANDREWS LOWER www.sas.org ST. AUSTIN CATHOLIC SCHOOL www.staustinschool.org 1911 San Antonio St., Austin 512-477-3751 ST. FRANCIS SCHOOL www.stfrancis-school.org 300 E. Huntland Dr., Austin 512-454-0848 ST. HELENS CATHOLIC SCHOOL www.shclions.org 2700 E. University Ave., Georgetown 512-869-3244 ST. IGNATIUS, MARTYR CATHOLIC SCHOOL www.st-ignatius.org/school 120 W. Oltorf, Austin 512-442-8547 ST. LOUIS CATHOLIC SCHOOL www.slcsaustin.org 2114 St. Joseph, Austin 512-614-6622 ST. MARY’S CATHOLIC SCHOOL www.stmarystaylor.org 520 Washburn St., Taylor 512-352-2313 ST. STEPHENS EPISCOPAL SCHOOL www.ststeveschool.org 6000 FM 3237, Wimberly 512-847-9857 ST. THERESA’S CATHOLIC SCHOOL www.st-theresa.org 4311 Small Dr., Austin 512-451-7105 SANTA CRUZ CATHOLIC HIGH www.sccstx.org 1110 Main St., Buda 512-312-2137

1st - 5th

ACE ACADEMY CATHEDRAL SCHOOL OF SAINT MARY’S CHALLENGER SCHOOL HILL COUNTRY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL of Austin HOLY FAMILY CATHOLIC SCHOOL HYDE PARK SCHOOLS JARDIN DE NINOS INTERLINGUA ST. ANDREWS LOWER ST. AUSTIN CATHOLIC SCHOOL ST. FRANCIS SCHOOL ST. HELENS CATHOLIC SCHOOL ST. IGNATIUS, MARTYR CATHOLIC SCHOOL ST. LOUIS CATHOLIC SCHOOL ST. MARY’S CATHOLIC SCHOOL ST. STEPHENS EPISCOPAL SCHOOL ST. THERESA’S CATHOLIC SCHOOL SANTA CRUZ CATHOLIC HIGH

6th - 8th

ACE ACADEMY CATHEDRAL SCHOOL OF SAINT MARY’S CHALLENGER SCHOOL HILL COUNTRY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL of Austin HOLY FAMILY CATHOLIC SCHOOL HYDE PARK SCHOOLS ST. ANDREWS MIDDLE ST. AUSTIN CATHOLIC SCHOOL ST. FRANCIS SCHOOL ST. HELENS CATHOLIC SCHOOL ST. IGNATIUS, MARTYR CATHOLIC SCHOOL ST. LOUIS CATHOLIC SCHOOL ST. MARY’S CATHOLIC SCHOOL ST. STEPHENS EPISCOPAL SCHOOL ST. THERESA’S CATHOLIC SCHOOL SANTA CRUZ CATHOLIC HIGH

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9th - 12th

HILL COUNTRY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL of Austin see listing in Inf - K HYDE PARK SCHOOLS see listing in Inf - K SAN JUAN DIEGO CATHOLIC SCHOOL www.sjdchs.org 800 Herndon Ln., Austin 512-804-1935 ST. DOMINIC SAVIO CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL www.saviochs.org 9300 Neenah Ave., Austin 512-388-8846

CHARTER SCHOOLS SPECIAL NEEDS ACE ACADEMY www.austingifted.org 3901 Shoal Creek Blvd., Austin 512-206-4070 LET IT SHINE www.austinchilddevelopment.com 3701 W. Slaughter Ln., Austin 512-948-3063

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HARMONY SCHOOL OF SCIENCE 11800 Stonehollow Dr Austin HARMONY SCIENCE ACADEMY 1421 Wells Branch Pkwy, Pflugerville 930 E. Rundberg, Austin HARMONY SCHOOL OF INNOVATION 2124 E. St. Elmo, Austin HARMONY SCHOOL OF EXCELLENCE 2100 E. St. Elmo, Austin HARMONY SCHOOL OF POLITICAL SCIENCE AND COMMUNICATION 13415 Hwy 620 North, Austin

www.harmonytx.org K-5th PreK 4-12, 6th-8th K-5th 6th-12th

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Education Guide MONTESSORI PRESCHOOLS

ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS

BETHANY LUTHERAN FINE ARTS ACADEMY www. bethany-umc.org/finearts ARMSTRONG COMMUNITY MUSIC SCHOOL www.acmsaustin.org 10010 Anderson Mill Rd, Austin 512-258-6017 404 Camp Craft Rd., Austin 512-474-2331 BRIGHT HORIZONS www.brighthorizons.com/austinfamily17 AUSTIN GIRLS CHOIR www.girlschoir.com 4613 Bee Caves Rd, West Lake Hills 512-640-1879 3710 Cedar Street #215, Austin 512-453-0884 BRIGHT HORIZONS AT ROUND ROCK BITS, BYTES AND BOTS www.bbbcomputer.com 7210 Wyoming Springs, Round Rock 512-341-0733 Austin area locations 512-415-4120 BRIGHT HORIZONS FAMILY CENTER CAFÉ MONET www.cafémonet.org 2411 W. Braker Ln., Austin 512-833-7090 4700 W. Guadalupe, Austin 512-906-2200 BUTTERFLY GARDEN www.thebutterflygarden.net 4477 S. Lamar Blvd., Austin 512-892-3200 207 Chisolm Tr., Round Rock 512-636-1069 CREATIVE BRICK BUILDERS www.creativebrickbuilders.com 10802 Kit Carson Rd., Austin 220 Sundance Pkwy, Round Rock 512-388-9003 COUNTRY HOME LEARNING CENTER www.countryhomelearningcenter.com DANCE DISCOVERY www.dancediscovery.com 1310 US Hwy 183 North, Austin 512-331-1442 Allendale (Dance, Musical) 512-419-7611 6900 Escarpment Blvd., Austin 512-288-8220 Avery Ranch (Theatre) 512-658-2996 EXTEND-A-CARE FOR KIDS www.eackids.org FUN2LEARN CODE www.fun2learncode.com 77 area campuses 512-472-9402 Austin area locations 512-900-8380 FINE ARTS ACADEMY www.dancediscovery.com GYMBOREE www.gymboreeclasses.com Allandale 512-419-7611 4220 S. Lamar Blvd, #150, Austin 512-444-9626 Avery Ranch 512-658-2996 9333 Research Blvd., C-2, Austin 512-451-8644 KIDDIE ACADEMY OF PFLUGERVILLE www.kiddieacademy.com/pflugerville 1335 E. Whitestone Blvd. #5120, Cedar Park 512-259-7529 2617 Kelly Ln., Pflugerville 512-270-9988 HEARTSONG www.heartsongmusic.net KIDDIE ACADEMY OF CEDAR PARK www.kiddieacademy.com/austin 2700 W. Anderson Ln., Austin 512-371-9506 1602 Medical Pkwy., Cedar Park 512-920-3028 JUMP GYMNASTICS www.jump-austin.com KIDDIE ACADEMY OF ROUND ROCK www.kiddieacademy.com/roundrock 2919 Manchaca Rd., Austin 512-593-6226 5080 N. AW Grimes Blvd., Round Rock 512-270-9988 2117 Anderson Ln., Austin LET IT SHINE www.austinchilddevelopment.com KIDSACTING www.kidsactingstudo.com 3701 W. Slaughter Ln., Austin 512-948-3063 Austin area locations 512-836-5437 SPICEWOOD COUNTRY SCHOOL www.spicewoodcountry.com MAD SCIENCE www.austin.madscience.org 6102 Spicewood Springs Rd., Austin 512-346-2992 Austin & San Antonio locations 512-892-1143 STEPPING STONE SCHOOLS www.steppingstoneschool.com MASTER GOHRING TAI CHI KUNG FU www.mastergohring.com Locations throughout Austin Metro 512-459-0258 6611 Airport Blvd., Austin 512-879-7553 NITRO SWIMMING www.nitroswim.com 15506 Hwy 71, Bee Cave 512-861-7946 1310 Toro Grande Blvd., Cedar Park 512-259-7999 SUNRISE NEIGHBORHOOD YOUTH PROGRAM www.sunriseaustin.org 4430 Manchaca Rd., Austin 512-444-3326 AUSTIN LEARNING CENTER www.austinlearningcenter.com SYNERGY DANCE STUDIO www.syergydancestudio.com 3355 Bee Cave Rd., Suite 203, Austin 512-330-9007 3425 Bee Cave Rd., Austin 512-327-4130 Tutoring, SAT/ACT TexARTS www.tex-arts.org BRAIN BALANCE www.brainbalancecenters.com 2300 Lohman’s Spur, Lakeway 512-852-9079 3267 Bee Caves Rd., Suite 118, Austin 512-328-7771 WAYA www.waya.org 920 N. Vista Ridge Blvd. #600, Cedar Park 1314 Exposition, Austin 512-473-2528 Behavioral issues YMCA AUSTIN www.austinymca.org FOCUS BEHAVIORAL ASSOCIATES www.focusbehavioral.com Travis, Hays & Bastrop Co locations 512-335-9622 19019 TX-71 Spicewood TX 512-646-9789 YMCA WM. CO. www.ymcagwc.org Applied Behavioral Analysis Wm. Co locations 512-792-2697 KIDSPA AUSTIN www.kidspaaustin.com 5700 W. Slaughter Ln., Austin 512-301-5772 10526 W. Parmer Ln., Austin 512-828-5772 Drop-in child care MOSAICS WEIGHTED BLANKETS www.mosaicweightedblankets.com 12741 Research Blvd., Austin 512-567-8943 Non-drug therapy for ADHD, ASD, SPD, Anxiety or Insomnia

RESOURCES

COLLEGE CREDIT

AUSTIN COMMUNITY COLLEGE www.austincc.edu/startnow Locations in Austin-metro area Earn college credit in high school

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BY M A R GA R E T N I C K L AS

How High School Counselors Guide Your Student to Graduation and Beyond

Kids

in high school have a lot to think about.

There are challenging classes, competitive extra-curricular activities and complex social situations. If that weren’t enough, there are expectations that 9th12th graders start thinking about and planning for what they will do after high school—whether that’s college, some type of vocational or other specialized training, or something else. Taking a so-called “gap” or “bridge” year has become popular, too; that’s when high school graduates work, travel, intern or volunteer before moving on to their next chapter.

preparatory services are organized and

process that really begins in 9th grade. A

what is offered. Take a peek at a few

comprehensive college readiness checklist

other local schools’ websites, too. Since

has been developed for each grade level,

AISD high schools and programs vary

which can be viewed at AISD’s College

significantly, a quick survey may yield

and Career Readiness page. Here’s an

additional tips. The district’s website offers

overview:

useful information as well.

• Freshman year is about building a strong In addition to online resources, each

foundation. Students should take courses

high school has a team of counselors

that interest and challenge them and

to support students in a variety of ways.

strive to get the best grades possible.

Because these schools tend to be large,

They should also explore opportunities

some with nearly 3,000 students, many

to learn about what others do, gain new

counselors spend most of their time on

experiences and look for opportunities to

scheduling. But each school also has one

demonstrate leadership.

or more counselors who work with students specifically on preparing for college and careers after high school.

College Prep Of course, not all students want to attend

Austin ISD schools have a wealth of

college or get other formal training after

information online to help students who

high school. For those who do, the district

are entering their high school phase.

has resources and tools available to

Check out your child’s school website to

support the process of choosing and

see how counseling and other assistance/

applying to educational institutions, a

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Colleges That Change Lives August 12, 7 p.m.

Hilton Austin ctcl.org

• For sophomores, college planning starts in earnest. Sophomores should

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consult with a counselor and learn

Miller says she encourages students to

for other local fairs, such as the “Gap Year”

about the standardized tests (PSAT,

“think outside the box” and consider options

Fair sponsored by St. Stephen’s Episcopal

SAT, ACT, etc.) they will need for college

beyond what they already know or think is a

School and the National College Fair, both

applications and when to take them.

good fit. Fairs are great places for students

held in the spring semester, to spur ideas

They should be looking for fairs to attend

of any age to explore, ask questions and

and enthusiasm for what might lie ahead. af

and campuses to visit. They should also

learn about institutions, programs and

cultivate relationships with teachers

careers. An organization called Colleges

and counselors who can both advise

That Change Lives will hold a fair in Austin

and give recommendations. AISD uses

on August 12. Learn more at ctcl.org. Look

Margaret Nicklas is an Austin-based freelance journalist, writer and mom.

an interactive online program called Naviance that facilitates student research into colleges as well as their application processes.

Start Early.

Start Right.

• J uniors should start developing a short list of colleges or other institutions in which they have interest and begin drafting applications. In conjunction, they should ensure they are on track with

Challenger School offers uniquely fun and academic classes for preschool to eighth grade students.

whatever standardized testing they will need. Counselors can help juniors identify and apply for financial assistance and resources. Many colleges and universities

Our students learn to think for themselves and to value independence.

display something called a “Net Price Calculator” on their websites that students can use to determine costs they would

The results are unmatched at any price!

pay to attend.

Come see for yourself!

Observe our classrooms any time— no appointment needed.

•S enior year is where the rubber meets the road. Seniors must know and meet final application deadlines for academic programs and financial aid and be sure they complete (and pass) all the necessary coursework to graduate.

Maintaining an Open Mind Whether your child is intent on pursuing a four-year degree, starting a job in a particular industry or some other path forward, it’s important to stay flexible and keep an open mind. Moreover, teens

An independent private school offering preschool through eighth grade

develop and mature at different rates.

Avery Ranch (512) 341-8000 15101 Avery Ranch Boulevard, Austin Pond Springs (512) 258-1299 13015 Pond Springs Road, Austin Round Rock (512) 255-8844 1521 Joyce Lane, Round Rock

“What I have learned after doing this work since 2001, is that every student finds out their path on their own time, and that we can encourage them from where they are,

I n s p i r i n g C h i l d re n t o A c h i e v e S i n c e 1 9 6 3

not where we think they need to be,” says

© 2017, Challenger Schools. Challenger School admits students of any race, color, and national or ethnic origin.

long-time counselor Tara Miller, a college and career counselor at Austin High School.

AustinFamily_July.indd 1

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BY R I C H A R D S I N G L E TO N

E-Readers

Let You Carry the World in Your Bag This summer the iPhone reached a milestone birthday. Ten years old! Perhaps the most important Sponge Bob cake that was ever baked, but who knows what the wish was before the candles were blown out, so let’s just brace ourselves!

Back when the bouncing baby pocket computer first chimed to life, the grandparents of news and views – newspapers, magazines and best sellers – were still relatively fit and flourishing. Understandably, those guardians of the ancient régime continue to fade.

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Sure, there will always be those of us who love to hold and savor a good book, but even folks like me are waking up to just how convenient it is to carry the world’s wisdom in your bag. From space age to screen age, it’s been a journey from USA Today being sprawled across tables, desks, laps and coffee tables to it being almost nostalgic to see someone carrying a book.

The first e-reader I bought was the first generation of the Amazon Kindle.

In many ways, it was amazing. In some, it was just a page flipping let down. Regardless, it was here to stay.

Today’s e-readers are cheaper, faster, better in the hand and better on the eyes than ever before.

So, as you gear up for those last few days on the beach or squeeze in the last few quiet moments of reading while the kids are away at camp, what e-readers should be at your fingertips?

Patrick Hyde and Meredith Popolo help answer that question. Writing for Lifewire.com, they suggest seven of the best e-readers of the year.

Let’s sum up.

Not surprisingly, Amazon steals the show. Four of the seven Hyde and Popolo recommendations are from Bezos’ online behemoth: there’s the Paperwhite, the Oasis, the Voyage and the Fire. Clearly, you’ll not want the good folks at Amazon to name anything for you, but putting the world of words at your fingertips? They’ve got that locked up.

Not surprisingly, Amazon steals the show.

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Each Amazon device is a different creature. The choices among these and the devices that follow will really be about a few things: size, weight, screen type, screen clarity (resolution), and does it play nice in the water.

You can have the cheapest of the offerings above for just $50. And, the most expensive one will set you back just south of $300. Most live in the neighborhood of around $150. That’s an amazing alternative to flagship

The Kobo Glo HD was the first offering on the list not from Amazon. Importantly, it sets itself apart from the competition by keeping your eyes on your text and not on ads. Fewer ads? Yes!

phones that can easily cost 10 times as much!

Happy reading, friends! af Richard Singleton, MACE, MAMFC, LPC, is the executive director at STARRY in Round Rock.

INFANTS ∙ TODDLERS ∙ PRESCHOOL BEFORE & AF TER SCHOOL ∙ SUMMER CAMP

The runner-up large screen reader was the Kobo Aura H2O. Who names this stuff! Is it sparkling water? Is it a fantastical shampoo/conditioner combo? Nope. It’s a great option for a waterproof e-reader, though. I would have liked to have that in my backpack while at Siesta Key a few weeks ago. We had forgotten that our phones weren’t waterproof. We did go to Amazon for the rescue – but just for cases. If you’re into poolside reading or can’t keep your coffee in the cup, the H2O might be the one for you.

Finally, there’s the Barnes and Noble Nook Glowlight Plus. No. I promise you that I am not making this stuff up.

Clearly, in the world of e-readers, the name of the game is the game of the name. Yikes! So, how does the Nook keep its head above water against the fearsome Amazonians? It’s smaller and lighter, but has the same size and clarity screen, for one. And, thanks to waterproofing, it can swim in the deep end without floaties. The store is better than Kobo, but alas, it’s not a Kindle.

Variety is the spice of life, though, so you might want something a little different.

Curiosity-Launching Learning Experiences Kiddie Academy® has the teachers, tools and inspiration it takes to nurture oversized confidence and big ideas. It’s all part of becoming an amazing adult, and begins with our Life Essentials® philosophy.

Kiddie Academy ® of Pflugerville 2617 Kelly Lane Pflugerville, TX 78660 512-989-7777

Kiddie Academy ® of Cedar Park 1602 Medical Parkway Cedar Park, TX 78613 512-986-7355

Kiddie Academy ® of Round Rock 5080 North AW Grimes Blvd.

Round Rock, TX 78665 512-270-9988

®

kiddieacademy.com/austin

Okay, what’s the damage going to be?

Pick us up at HEB, Whole Foods and Central Market

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View the magazine online at austinfamily.com

Visit our advertisers.

August

2017 calendar

Compiled by BETTY KEMPER

Museum Exhibits pg 31

•

Family Events pg 31

•

Parenting Events pg 39

•

Story Times pg 40

++ Denotes event occurs on multiple dates

Museum Exhibits PLAY BALL! Through Aug. 13. Austin History Center, 810 Guadalupe St. library.austintexas.gov or 512-974-7480.

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.

50 YEARS OF PUBLIC BROADCASTING Through Nov. 12. LBJ Presidential Library, 2313 Red River St. lbjlibrary.org or 512-721-0200.

MERCI, TEXAS Through Dec. 31. Texas Capitol Visitors Center, 1100 Congress Ave. tspb.state.tx.us or 512-463-4630.

PONG TO POKÉMON Through March 18. Bullock Museum, 1800 N. Congress Ave. thestoryoftexas.com or 512-936-8746.

Family Events TUESDAY 1 KIDS CLUB 9:30 a.m. Whole Foods Domain, 11920 Domain Dr. FREE. wholefoodsdomain.com.

TALK TIME 11 a.m. Southeast Branch Library, 5803 Nuckols Crossing Rd. FREE. library.austintexas.gov.

LEGO LAB 3:30 p.m. Southeast Branch Library, 5803 Nuckols Crossing Rd. FREE. library.austintexas.gov.

LEGO LAB 4 p.m. Terrazas Branch Library, 1105 E. Cesar Chavez St. FREE. library.austintexas.gov or 512-974-3625.

LITERATURE LIVE! PRESENTS: THE FIFOLET 4 p.m. University Hills Branch Library, 4721 Loyola Ln. FREE. library.austintexas.gov or 512-974-9940.

SPROUTS ++ 10 to 11 a.m. Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, 4801 La Crosse Ave. FREE with admission. wildflower.org or 512-232-0100.

TWEEN STEAM: LITTLE BITS THEME PARK 3 p.m. Spicewood Springs Branch Library, 8637 Spicewood Springs Rd. FREE. library.austintexas.gov or 512-974-8840.

COMMUNITY NIGHT ++ 5 to 8 p.m. The Thinkery, 1830 Simond Ave. By donation. thinkeryaustin.org or 512-469-6218.

BLUES ON THE GREEN 6 p.m. Zilker Park, 2100 Barton Springs Rd. FREE. kgsr.com or 512-832-4000.

SEW HAPPY 5 p.m. Manchaca Road Branch Library, 5500 Manchaca Rd. FREE. library.austintexas.gov or 512-974-8700.

FAMILY NIGHTS ++ 6 p.m. West Bank Library, 9411 Bee Cave Rd. FREE. westbanklibrary.com or 512-327-3045.

ROUND ROCK EXPRESS VS EL PASO 7 p.m. Dell Diamond, 3400 E. Palm Valley Rd., Round Rock. roundrockexpress.com or 512-255-2255.

LITERATURE LIVE! PRESENTS: THE FIFOLET 6 p.m. Manchaca Road Branch Library, 5500 Manchaca Rd. FREE. library.austintexas.gov or 512-974-8700.

WEDNESDAY 2

PUPPY HAPPY HOUR 6 p.m. Recycled Reads, 5335 Burnet Rd. FREE. library.austintexas.gov or 512-974-3940.

STORYTIME YOGA 9:30 to 10 a.m. The Little Yoga House, 2700 W. Anderson Ln. FREE. thelittleyogahouse.com or 512-861-5639.

AUSTIN BARN DANCERS ++ 7:30 to 9:45 p.m. Hancock Rec Center, 811 E. 41st St. FREE. austinbarndancers.org or 512-453-4225.

MAKE IT TUESDAYS 10 a.m. to noon. Bullock Museum, 1800 N. Congress Ave. FREE with admission. thestoryoftexas.com or 512-936-8746.

Pick us up at HEB, Whole Foods and Central Market

Submit Your Event

Visit austinfamily.com and click “Submit your event.” The deadline is the 5th of the month preceding the month of the event. If your event charges more than $15, send details to kaye2003@austinfamily.com for approval.

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THURSDAY 3

BLOCK PARTY ++ 2 to 4 p.m. Wells Branch Library, 15001 Wells Port Dr. FREE. wblibrary.org or 512-989-3188.

UNPLUGGED AT THE GROVE ++ 8 p.m. Shady Grove, 1624 Barton Springs Rd. FREE. kgsr.com or 512-474-9991.

KIDS 5-8 CLUB 3:30 to 4:15 p.m. Pflugerville Library, 1008 W. Pfluger St., Pflugerville.

FREE. pflugervilletx.gov.

THE WIZARD OF OZ ++ 8:15 p.m. Zilker Hillside Theater, 2201 Barton Springs Rd. FREE. zilker.org or 512-477-8672.

FIRST THURSDAY AUSTIN 5 to 8 p.m. Downtown Austin. FREE. firstthursdayaustin.com.

SUMMER MOVIE CLUBHOUSE ++ 10 a.m. Cinemark, 2132 N. Mays, Round Rock. $1/show or $5/ten. cinemark.com.

SENSE-SATIONAL THURSDAYS 10 a.m. to noon. Bullock Museum, 1800 N. Congress Ave. FREE with admission. thestoryoftexas.com or 512-936-8746.

LIVING HISTORY DAYS 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bullock Museum, 1800 N. Congress Ave. FREE for those pre-registered. thestoryoftexas.com or 512-936-8746.

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ROUND ROCK EXPRESS VS ALBUQUERQUE ++ 7 p.m. Dell Diamond, 3400 E. Palm Valley Blvd., Round Rock. roundrockexpress.com or 512-255-2255.

RHYTHM ON STAGE 7:30 to 9 p.m. The Long Center, 701 W. Riverside Dr. FREE. thelongcenter.org.

SUMMER IN THE PARK CONCERT: JOE ELY 7:30 p.m. Plaza Park, N. CM Allen Pkwy., San Marcos. FREE. Toursanmarcos.com.

FRIDAY 4 FAMILY MOVIE: BEAUTY AND THE BEAST 1:30 to 3 p.m. Round Rock Library, 216 E. Main St., Round Rock. FREE. roundrocktexas.gov.

SUPER SMASH BROS. TOURNAMENT 3 p.m. Howson Branch Library, 2500 Exposition Blvd. FREE. library. austintexas.gov or 512-974-8800.

View the magazine online at austinfamily.com

Visit our advertisers.

LEGO LAB 4 p.m. North Village Branch Library, 2505 Steck Ave. FREE. library.austintexas.gov or 512-974-9960.

LITERATURE LIVE! PRESENTS: THE FIFOLET 4 p.m. Little Walnut Creek Branch, 853 W. Rundberg Ln. FREE. library.austintexas.gov or 512-974-9860.

FIRST FRIDAY ART WALK 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Downtown Bastrop.

FREE. domorebastrop.com.

FIRST FRIDAY ON THE SQUARE 6 to 8 p.m. Downtown Georgetown.

FREE. visit.georgetown.org.

MOVIES IN THE PARK: A LEAGUE OF THEIR OWN (PG) 7:30 a.m. Robin Bledsoe Park, 601 S. Bagdad Rd., Leander. FREE. leandertx.gov.

Cedar Park. FREE. txmost.org or 512-961-5333.

CONTINUING: Round Rock Express see Thursday 3; Sprouts see Wednesday 2; The Wizard of Oz see Thursday 3.

SATURDAY 5 ROUND ROCK MARKET DAYS 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Central Plaza, 301 W. Bagdad, Round Rock. FREE. roundrocktexas.gov or 512-924-2327.

MADRONE CANYON HIKE 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Laura’s Library, 9411 Bee Cave Rd. FREE. westbanklibrary.com or 512-327-3045.

ONCE UPON A WHAAA?! ++ 11 a.m. Scottish Rite Theater, 207 W. 18th St. $8 child.

RHYTHM WORKSHOP 11 a.m. to noon. Round Rock Library, 216 E. Main St., Round Rock. FREE. roundrocktexas.gov.

FIRST SATURDAY AT THE CARVER Noon. Carver Museum and Cultural Center, 1165 Angelina St. FREE. austintexas.gov.

GIANT CHESS ++ 12:30 to 3 p.m. Wooldridge Square Park, 900 Guadalupe St. FREE. giantchess.org.

BACK TO SCHOOL STEM SATURDAY 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Girlstart, 1400 W. Anderson Ln. FREE. girlstart.org or 512-916-4775.

MUSIC IN THE PARK ++ 8 p.m. Veterans’ Memorial Park, 109 Depot St., Elgin. FREE. elgintx.com.

THE BIG LATCH ON 10 to 11:30 a.m. BabyEarth, 106 East Old Settlers Blvd., Round Rock.

FREE. 512-600-7050.

STAR PARTY ++ 9 p.m. Texas Museum of Science and Technology, 1220 Toro Grande Dr.,

AUSTIN DUCK DERBY 11 a.m. Congress Ave. Bridge. FREE. duckrace.com.

E.T. THE EXTRA-TERRESTRIAL (PG) 1 p.m. Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress Ave. $10 adults, $6 kids. austintheatre.org.

Pre-K through 12th Grade HHH Over 15 Austin Area Locations

Sing

Dance

Act

Laugh Full-Scale Musical + Play Productions

Professional Sets, Costumes, Lights, Sound, LIVE Music!

Beauty and the Beast •Wizard of Oz • Charlie and the Chocolate Factory • The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe

Triple Threat

Adventures in Acting

Imagination Friends

Glee! Show Choir

Epic Theatre Fun

Sing • Dance • Act Pre-K Intro to Theatre

Movie Music Magic

www.kidsActingStudio.com • 512-836-5437 Pick us up at HEB, Whole Foods and Central Market

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COURTHOUSE TOURS ++ 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Williamson Museum, 716 S. Austin Ave., Georgetown.

FREE. williamsonmuseum.org or 512-943-1670.

SATURDAY FAMILY MOVIE: BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (PG) 2 p.m. Windsor Park Branch Library, 5833 Westminster Dr. FREE. library.austintexas.gov or 512-974-9840.

FAMILY FILM SERIES: THE SECRET OF KELLS 2 p.m. Bullock Museum, 1800 N. Congress Ave. FREE. thestoryoftexas.com or 512-936-8746.

SUNDAY 6 FREE SKATE LESSONS ++ 11 to 11:45 a.m. Playland Skate Center, 8822 McCann Dr. $8. playlandskatecenter.com or 512-452-1901.

FREE FIRST SUNDAYS Noon to 5 p.m. Bullock Museum, 1800 N. Congress Ave. FREE. thestoryoftexas.com or 512-936-8746.

MUSEUM TOUR 1 to 4 p.m. Heritage House Museum, 901 Old Austin-Hutto Rd., Pflugerville.

FREE. pflugervilletx.gov or 512-990-6377.

GAME ON! BOARD GAMES ++ 1 to 5:30 p.m. Pflugerville Library, 1008 W. Pfluger St., Pflugerville.

FREE. pflugervilletx.gov or 512-990-6375.

DEEP EDDY SPLASH PARTY MOVIE NIGHT 8 p.m. Deep Eddy Pool, 401 Deep Eddy Ave. Children $1.

CONTINUING: Round Rock Express see Thursday 3; The Wizard of Oz see Thursday 3.

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BLUEGRASS JAM! 2 to 4 p.m. Leander Library, 1011 South Bagdad, Leander. FREE. leandertx.gov/library or 512-259-5259.

LITERATURE LIVE! PRESENTS: THE FIFOLET 3:30 p.m. Faulk Central Library, 800 Guadalupe St. FREE. library. austintexas.gov or 512-974-7400.

ROUND ROCK EXPRESS VS ALBUQUERQUE 6 p.m. Dell Diamond, 3400 E. Palm Valley Blvd., Round Rock. roundrockexpress.com or 512-255-2255.

CONCERTS IN THE PARK ++ 7:30 p.m. The Long Center, 701 W. Riverside Dr. FREE. austinsymphony.org or 512-474-5664.

CONTINUING: Courthouse Tours see Saturday 5; Once Upon a Whaaa?! see Saturday 5; The Wizard of Oz see Thursday 3.

MONDAY 7 SUMMER MOVIE CLUBHOUSE 10 a.m. Cinemark, 2132 N. Mays, Round Rock. $1/show or $5/ten. cinemark.com.

LEGO LAB 3:30 p.m. Ruiz Branch Library, 1600 Grove Blvd. FREE. library.austintexas.gov or 512-974-7500.

View the magazine online at austinfamily.com

Visit our advertisers.

TUESDAY 8

THURSDAY 10

FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT: SING (PG) 6:30 p.m. Twin Oaks Branch Library, 1800 S. 5th St. FREE. library.austintexas.gov or 512-974-9980.

CONTINUING: Family Nights see Tuesday 1.

SIP, SHOP AND STROLL 5 to 8 p.m. Downtown Elgin. FREE. elgintx.com or 512-229-3213.

WEDNESDAY 9 PLAY READ GROW 11 a.m. North Village Branch Library, 2505 Steck Ave. FREE. library. austintexas.gov or 512-974-9960.

CONTINUING: Austin Barn Dancers see Wednesday 2; Community Night see Wednesday 2.

SUMMER IN THE PARK CONCERT: TWO TONS OF STEEL 7:30 p.m. Plaza Park, N. CM Allen Pkwy., San Marcos. FREE. toursanmarcos.com.

CONTINUING: Block Party see Thursday 3; Summer Movie Clubhouse see Thursday 3; The Wizard of Oz see Thursday 3; Unplugged at the Grove see Thursday 3.

FRIDAY 11 INDOOR PLANETARIUM 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Pflugerville Library, 1008 W. Pfluger St., Pflugerville.

FREE. pflugervilletx.gov.

MOVIES IN THE SQUARE: MOANA (PG) 7:30 p.m. Downtown Taylor. FREE. ci.taylor.tx.

Pick us up at HEB, Whole Foods and Central Market

MUSIC IN THE PARK ++ 7:30 p.m. Pfluger Park, 515 City Park Rd., Pflugerville. FREE. pflugervilletx.gov or 512-990-6101.

DIVE-IN MOVIE: FANTASTIC BEASTS (PG-13) 8 p.m. Bledsoe Pool, 601 S. Bagdad Rd., Leander. FREE. leandertx.gov.

CONTINUING: Music in the Park see Friday 4; Sprouts see Wednesday 2; Star Party see Friday 4; The Wizard of Oz see Thursday 3.

SATURDAY 12 BACK TO SCHOOL BASH 9 a.m. to noon. Palmer Events Center, 900 Barton Springs Rd. FREE. austinisd.org or 512-414-9955.

GUIDED HIKES AT BRIGHT LEAF 9 to 11 a.m. Bright Leaf Preserve, 2222 and Creek Mountain Rd. brightleaf.org or 512-459-7269.

MARKET DAYS ON THE SQUARE 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Downtown Georgetown. FREE. thegeorgetownsquare.com.

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CLOSING EVENT FOR CENTRAL TEXAS NATURE CHALLENGE 10 a.m. to noon. Austin Nature and Science Center, 2389 Stratford Dr. FREE. austintexas.gov or 512-974-3888.

HANDS ON HISTORY 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Williamson Museum, 716 S. Austin Ave., Georgetown.

FREE. williamsonmuseum.org or 512-943-1670.

FAMILY FILM SERIES: WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE (PG) 2 p.m. Bullock Museum, 1800 N. Congress Ave. FREE. thestoryoftexas.com or 512-936-8746.

STAR PARTY 8:30 to 10:30 p.m. Westcave Preserve, 24814 Hamilton Pool Rd., Round Mountain. $5 child.

POKEMON CLUB 11 a.m. Kyle Library, 550 Scott St., Kyle. FREE. cityofkyle.com.

MOVIE MATINEE: KONG, SKULL ISLAND (PG-13) 2 p.m. Pflugerville Library, 1008 W. Pfluger St., Pflugerville. FREE. pflugervilletx.gov.

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FAMILY DAYS 12 to 4 p.m. Umlauf Sculpture Garden, 605 Robert E. Lee Rd. FREE. umlaufsculpture.org.

OITA JAPAN FESTIVAL 12 to 4 p.m. Asian American Resource Center, 401 Cameron Rd., FREE. austinoita.org.

THE PARENT TRAP (1961) 1 p.m. Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress Ave. $10 adults $6 their kids. austintheatre.org.

AUSTIN ICE CREAM FESTIVAL 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Fiesta Gardens, 2101 Jesse E. Segovia St. $10.

SECOND SATURDAYS 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Laguna Gloria, 3809 W. 35th St. FREE with registration. thecontemporaryaustin.org or 512-458-8191.

SUNDAY 13

JUNGLE BOOK 11 a.m. and 2 and 4 p.m., Boyd Vance Theatre, 1165 Angelina St., FREE. summermusical.com.

CONTINUING: Courthouse Tours see Saturday 5; Giant Chess see Saturday 5; Once Upon a Whaaa?! see Saturday 5; The Wizard of Oz see Thursday 3.

JUNGLE BOOK 2 and 4 p.m., Boyd Vance Theatre, 1165 Angelina St., FREE. summermusical.com.

CONTINUING: Courthouse Tours see Saturday 5; Free Skate Lessons see Sunday 6; Game On! Board Games see Sunday 6; Once Upon a Whaaa?! see Saturday 5.

TUESDAY 15 FOOD TRAILER TUESDAYS 5 to 9 p.m. The Long Center, 701 W. Riverside Dr. FREE. thelongcenter.org.

View the magazine online at austinfamily.com

Visit our advertisers.

CONTINUING: Family Nights see Tuesday 1.

WEDNESDAY 16

CONTINUING: Austin Barn Dancers see Wednesday 2; Community Night see Wednesday 2; Sprouts see Wednesday 2.

THE BEST LITTLE WHORE HOUSE IN TEXAS 7:30 p.m. Morris Theatre, 2300 Lohmans Spur, Lakeway. $40 and up. texarts.org or 512-852-9079.

THURSDAY 17 THIRD THURSDAYS AT THE BLANTON 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Blanton Museum of Art, 200 E. MLK Blvd. FREE. blantonmuseum.org or 512-471-5482.

STUDENT PREVIEW: THE BEST LITTLE WHORE HOUSE IN TEXAS 7:30 p.m. Morris Theatre, 2300 Lohmans Spur, Lakeway. $40. texarts. org or 512-852-9079.

CONTINUING: Block Party see Thursday 3; Unplugged at the Grove see Thursday 3.

FRIDAY 18 TEEN GAME NIGHT 6 p.m. Leander Library, 1011 S. Bagdad Rd., Leander. FREE. leandertx.gov.

BAT FEST 4 p.m. to midnight. Congress Ave. Bridge. $15; kids under 8 FREE. roadwayevents.com.

SWIFT FEST 4:30 to 10 p.m., Fisherman’s Park, 18649 FM 1431, Jonestown. FREE. swiftfest-jonestown.com or 512-267-3243

MOVIES AT THE LAKE: BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (PG) 8 p.m. Lake Kyle Park, 700 Lehman Rd., Kyle. FREE. cityofkyle.com.

CONTINUING: Music in the Park see Friday 4; Sprouts see Wednesday 2; Star Party see Friday 4.

ROUND ROCK EXPRESS VS OMAHA ++ 6 p.m. Dell Diamond, 3400 E. Palm Valley Blvd., Round Rock. roundrockexpress.com or 512-255-2255.

CONTINUING: Courthouse Tours see Saturday 5; Giant Chess see Saturday 5; Once Upon a Whaaa?! see Saturday 5.

SATURDAY 19

SUNDAY 20

AUSTIN PET EXPO 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Palmer Events Center, 900 Barton Springs Rd. FREE. Bring your pet. austinpetexpo.com.

KUTZ4KIDZ 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Hernandez Middle School, 1901 Sunrise Rd., Round Rock. FREE. roundrocktexas.gov.

SPLASH BASH 12 to 2 p.m. Town Lake YMCA, 1100 W Cesar Chavez St. FREE. austinymca.org.

AUSTIN CHRONICLE HOT SAUCE FESTIVAL 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fiesta Gardens, 2101 Jesse E. Segovia St. FREE. austinchronicle.com.

QUESTIONS ABOUT COLLEGE? ACC enrollment advisors have answers about majors, college costs and university transfer. Start now!

START NOW austincc.edu/startnow • 512-223-7747 Pick us up at HEB, Whole Foods and Central Market

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CONTINUING: Courthouse Tours see Saturday 5; Free Skate Lessons see Sunday 6; Game On! Board Games see Sunday 6; Once Upon a Whaaa?! see Saturday 5; Round Rock Express see Saturday 19.

MONDAY 21 SOLAR ECLIPSE VIEWING PARTY Noon to 2 p.m. Main Street Plaza, Round Rock. FREE. roundrocktexas.gov.

ROUND ROCK EXPRESS VS OMAHA ++ 7 p.m. Dell Diamond, 3400 E. Palm Valley Blvd., Round Rock. roundrockexpress.com or 512-255-2255.

TUESDAY 22

CONTINUING: Family Nights see Tuesday 1; Round Rock Express see Monday 21.

WEDNESDAY 23

CONTINUING: Austin Barn Dancers see Wednesday 2; Community Night see Wednesday 2; Sprouts see Wednesday 2.

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THURSDAY 24 CULTURE NIGHTS 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. AGE Cafeteria, 3710 Cedar St. FREE. austinpowwow.net.

CONTINUING: Block Party see Thursday 3; Unplugged at the Grove see Thursday 3.

FRIDAY 25 PFLOATING MOVIE NIGHT 8:30 p.m. Scott Mentzer Pool, 901 Old Austin-Hutto Rd., Pflugerville. FREE. pflugervilletx.gov.

CONTINUING: Music in the Park see Friday 11; Sprouts see Wednesday 2; Star Party see Friday 4.

SATURDAY 26 4TH FLEA 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Price Center, 222 W. San Antonio St., San Marcos. FREE. 512-392-2900.

FAMILY OPEN HOUSE 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. YMCA, 27216 Ranch Rd. 12, Dripping Springs. FREE. austinymca.org.

LE GARAGE SALE 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Palmer Events Center, 900 Barton Springs Rd. $10 per day. legaragesale.net.

MOVIES IN THE PARK: A DOG’S PURPOSE (PG) 7:30 p.m. Benbrook Ranch Park, 1100 Halsey Dr., Leander. FREE. leandertx.gov.

CONTINUING: Courthouse Tours see Saturday 5; Giant Chess see Saturday 5; Once Upon a Whaaa?! see Saturday 5.

SUNDAY 27

CONTINUING: Courthouse Tours see Saturday 5; Free Skate Lessons see Sunday 6; Game On! Board Games see Sunday 6; Once Upon a Whaaa?! see Saturday 5.

MONDAY 28 ROUND ROCK EXPRESS VS COLORADO SPRINGS ++ 12:45 p.m. Dell Diamond, 3400 E. Palm Valley Blvd., Round Rock. roundrockexpress.com or 512-255-2255.

View the magazine online at austinfamily.com

Visit our advertisers.

TUESDAY 29

CONTINUING: Family Nights see Tuesday 1; Round Rock Express see Monday 28.

WEDNESDAY 30

CONTINUING: Austin Barn Dancers see Wednesday 2; Community Night see Wednesday 2; Sprouts see Wednesday 2; Round Rock Express see Monday 28.

Parenting Events Any Baby Can offers free parenting classes in English and Spanish on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Postpartum support group meets on Thursdays.

6207 Sheridan Ave. FREE. anybabycan.org or 512-454-3743.

Bridges to Growth offers early childhood parenting classes throughout the month. 805 W. University Ave., Georgetown. georgetownproject.org or 512-864-3008.

THURSDAY 31

CONTINUING: Block Party see Thursday 3; Round Rock Express see Monday 28; Unplugged at the Grove see Thursday 3.

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.

YMCA offers a free Childhood Obesity Intervention Program on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays throughout the month. Various locations. austinymca.org or 512-236-9622.

TUESDAY 1 GIFT OF MOTHERHOOD (5-WEEK SERIES) ++ 7 to 9 p.m. Central Texas Medical Center, 1301 Wonder World Dr., San Marcos. FREE with registration.

512-753-3818.

THURSDAY 3

Big Mega Workout 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. The Long Center, 701 W. Riverside Dr. FREE. thelongcenter.org.

Now Enrolling for 2017-18 Act

Stage Film

Dance

Ballet Tap Jazz Hip Hop and more!

Sing

Group Solo

Enroll Today! tex-arts.org 512-852-9079 x104 Pick us up at HEB, Whole Foods and Central Market

August 2017

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THINK BILINGUAL: SPEAKING IN TONGUES 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Asian American Resource Center, 8401 Cameron Rd. FREE. thinkbilingual.org or 512-589-0333.

FRIDAY 11 SPECIAL NEEDS SUPPORT GROUP 2 to 4 p.m. Elgin Library, 404 N. Main St., Elgin. FREE. elgintx.com or 737-247-8142.

FRIDAY 18 AUSTIN HOME & GARDEN SHOW 2 to 7 p.m. Austin Convention Center, 500 E. Cesar Chavez St. $10 adults; kids FREE. austinhomeandgardenshow.com.

SATURDAY 19 AUSTIN HOME & GARDEN SHOW 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Austin Convention Center, 500 E. Cesar Chavez St. $10 adults; kids FREE. austinhomeandgardenshow.com.

SUNDAY 20 AUSTIN HOME & GARDEN SHOW 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Austin Convention Center, 500 E. Cesar Chavez St. $10 adults; kids FREE. austinhomeandgardenshow.com.

SATURDAY 26 “STRIKING A BALANCE” CAREGIVER CONFERENCE 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Doubletree Hotel, 6505 North Interstate 35. FREE with registration. tinyurl.com/SABCC2017.

Story Times Austin area libraries offer story times for infants, toddlers, preschoolers and families with children of all ages.

In addition, there are story times in Spanish, Mandarin Chinese, Hindi, American Sign Language and other languages. Contact your local library for more information about times and appropriate ages.

NAMI BASICS TRAINING 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Austin State Hospital, 4110 Guadalupe St. FREE. namiaustin.org or 512-420-9810 ext.

1003.

AUSTIN LIBRARY Branches throughout Austin library.austintexas.gov 512-974-7400

THURSDAY 31

BASTROP LIBRARY 1100 Church St. bastroplibrary.org 512-321-5441

GRAND OPENING: LONE STAR SCHOOL OF MUSIC 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Lone Star School of Music, 915 RR 620 S., Lakeway.

FREE. lonestarschoolofmusic.com or 512-712-5187.

BEE CAVE LIBRARY 4000 Galleria Pkwy. beecavetexas.com 512-767-6620 BUDA LIBRARY 303 Main St. budalibrary.org 512-295-5899 CEDAR PARK LIBRARY 550 Discovery Blvd. cedarparktx.us 512-401-5600 DRIPPING SPRINGS LIBRARY 501 Sportsplex Dr. dscl.org 512-858-7825 ELGIN LIBRARY 404 N. Main St. elginpubliclibrary.org 512-281-5678 GEORGETOWN LIBRARY 402 W. 8th St. library.georgetown.org 512-930-3551 HUTTO LIBRARY 205 West St. huttotx.gov 512-759-4008

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KYLE LIBRARY 550 Scott St. cityofkyle.com 512-268-7411 LAKE TRAVIS LIBRARY 1938 Lohman’s Crossing laketravislibrary.org 512-263-2885 LAURA’S LIBRARY 9411 Bee Cave Rd. westbanklibrary.com 512-381-1400 LEANDER LIBRARY 1011 S. Bagdad Rd. leandertx.gov/library 512-259-5259 PFLUGERVILLE LIBRARY 1008 W. Pfluger St. pflugervilletx.com 512-990-6275 ROUND ROCK LIBRARY 216 E. Main St. roundrocktexas.gov 512-218-7001 SAN MARCOS LIBRARY 625 E. Hopkins St. ci.san-marcos.tx.us 512-393-8200

Support your child’s development with

TAYLOR LIBRARY 801 Vance St. ci.taylor.tx.us 512-352-3434 WELLS BRANCH LIBRARY 15001 Wells Port Dr. wblibrary.org 512-989-3188

Signup to attend a free demo class Mention this ad at the demo and receive a free music CD.

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WESTBANK LIBRARY 1309 Westbank Dr. westbanklibrary.com 512-327-3045

View the Austin-Area Story Time Calendar at austinfamily.com!

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PIENSA POSITIVO

by Leslie Montoya, life coach and host of Despierta Austin

The Reason to Stop Dreaming We often hear the phrase that has become cliché: “never stop dreaming;” however, we do stop. It can be complex to understand if we don’t dedicate some time, such as the concept of faith. But I have discovered two powerful reasons why we stop dreaming. The first one is the lack of a good strategy to achieve it, and the second one is because we stop believing in ourselves. I have understood that an easy way out of this negative state is finding a real purpose, where apart from you, someone else that is truly important to you will benefit with what you dream to achieve.

Think Positive!

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La Razón de Dejar de Soñar Seguido escuchamos la frase que se ha vuelto cliché “nunca dejes de soñar” sin embargo; lo hacemos. Puede ser complejo de entender si no se le dedica tiempo, tal como el concepto de la fe. Pero he descubierto dos razones poderosas por las que dejamos de hacerlo. La primera, es por falta de una buena estrategia para lograrlo y la segunda, por dejar de creer en ti mismo. He entendido que una manera fácil de salir de este estado negativo, es encontrando un auténtico propósito, en donde aparte de ti, alguien más que verdaderamente te importe salga beneficiado con lo que sueñas lograr. ¡Piensa Positivo!

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Pa on sse no sal s w! e

Howdy Summer Now Open TYPHOON TEXAS IS HERE AND SUMMER WILL NEVER BE THE SAME. GET SEASON PASSES, PARK HOURS AND MORE @ TYPHOONTEXAS.COM Experience the coolest place in town. Be sure to join us for Thursday Movie Night, Friday Night Slides and Saturday Family Night with live music.

Enjoy the thrilling attractions, fresh food options, and the all new play land for kids.

It’s Texas-sized fun for everyone!

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SMART SCREEN TIME I admit, I have relaxed the monitoring of my kids’ screen use this summer. At times I have declared summer movie nights, throwing pillows on the floor and lounging well past bedtimes. And those road trips? They wore me down from the back seats, claiming the scenery all looked the same.

As we prepare for the return to school and the resumption of routines, here’s what gives me strength against the outcry: 1. Screens really do affect sleep – The blue/white light that digital devices emit is like the light of midday sun and can send a wakeup message to the brain. Try this experiment at home, you first if your kids rebel: Stay away from screens 90 minutes before bedtime. I bet that you will fall asleep faster and sleep more soundly than if you use screens all the way up to the point of bedtime. Kids with screens in their bedrooms sleep 15 minutes per night less than their peers who don’t. That’s nearly two hours of lost sleep per week for developing brains!

2. Other good things happen when you turn off screens. You will probably talk to each other more. Perhaps you’ll take up a board game or some other communal activity. This happens in my house: even if we’re not doing something together, we tend to congregate in the same room. We actually seek each other’s company when the distractions are taken away!

3. The strength of the uproar may be an indicator of imbalance – If your child absolutely falls apart when you scale back on screen time, that may be reason enough to persevere.

For some Smart Screen Time® check out Ready Jet Go’s space exploration special Back to Bortron 7! Available on klrukids.org and the free PBS KIDS Video app.

Benjamin Kramer, PhD, is the director of education for KLRU-TV, Austin PBS.

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Z

KID ONE A Healthier S’more!

In honor of National S’mores Day (August 10), we’ve got the perfect s’mores recipe with all the sweetness your little ones want and none of the added sugar they don’t need.

Traditional s’mores consist of graham crackers, marshmallows and chocolate, but we’re shaking up the recipe with a few healthier options that won’t compromise the classic taste. Sink your sweet tooth into this ooey-gooey treat full of fruit, fiber and antioxidants.

After one bite, the whole family will certainly want s’more.

What You Need: • Ripe bananas • Dark chocolate • Whole wheat graham crackers • Aluminum foil squares (one for each s’more) • Optional: butter What You Do: 1. Heat an outdoor grill to medium and spray with no-stick cooking spray.

2. Slice bananas in half lengthwise – keep peel on each banana half.

3. Place banana slices on grill and cook each side for three minutes. Optional: brush sliced side of banana with melted butter.

4. Transfer bananas to a plate and remove peels. Cut bananas into slices.

5. While bananas are grilling, place graham cracker squares onto foil.

6. Top each graham cracker with a square of chocolate.

7. Arrange four banana slices on top of the chocolate.

8. Top each s’more with another graham cracker.

9. Wrap each banana s’more in foil and grill two minutes to melt chocolate.

10. Unwrap carefully and enjoy!

The YMCA of Austin is a dynamic association of men, women and children joined together by a shared commitment to nurturing the potential of kids, promoting healthy living and fostering a sense of social responsibility. We believe that lasting personal and social change can only come about when we all work together to invest in our kids, our health and our neighbors. To learn more about the Y, visit austinymca.org.

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focus on

doctors

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Dr. Kimberly Albert, ADC Cedar Park 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 21 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 21 Dr. Betty Richardson Dr. Richardson earned a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in nursing, and a PhD in psych/mental health ursing. 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 37 Dr. Christopher Saenz, ADC Steiner Ranch Dr. Saenz has been a board-certified pediatrician for over 17 years in traditional pediatric office practice and pediatric emergency medicine practice. From 20032011, he served as team physician for the Texas A&M University Athletic Department covering their NCAA sports teams. See ad on page 48

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BY CA R R I E TAY LO R

Before having kids, and before assuming really any adult responsibilities, summer was a time of limitless joy, limitless possibilities and limitless junk food. As a college student and young professional, my friends and I would dream up extravagant vacations, then blunder through some watered-down, low-cost version that usually included a dank hostel serving saltines for breakfast. But still: summer was a season of revival and recharging.

I look back on those days as I sit on my living room couch, weighed down by my “Summer 15.” In college, I may have eluded the extra pounds on my hips and thighs, but it seems they have

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It’s Been Real,

Summer found me in adulthood.

And they brought some friends.

It’s not that summer with kids is without its fun; we visited our fair share of splash pads, stayed up late to see fireworks or movies and then braved the subsequent exhaustion-induced mood swings that make hormonal teenagers look like kittens.

It’s been fun, summer, but I’m ready for the fall. Like, really ready. I’m ready for preschool to start and to

have a few hours in the day to begin recovering from all the quality time I’ve enjoyed over the past few months. If you’ve read Fox in Sox twelve times in a day or watched more than one episode of Super Why! you know what I’m talking about. There are only so many games of “Jump on Mom’s Stomach Until She Gags” one can play until you set up a countdown on your phone for the end of summer.

Oh, and I’m ready to wear pants again without my butt sweating after taking five steps. But we live in Texas, so I guess the near threat of butt sweat is always a given. af Carrie Taylor is a freelance writer and mother of two.

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