As the air turns crisp and calendars fill up, fall and winter often bring a whirlwind of school events, sports, family gatherings, and holiday prep. For many parents of young children, this busy season can make it feel nearly impossible to…
My husband and I have three young children. My parents have asked me to host a meal for our extended family. Organizing a dinner like that feels overwhelming. What would be the value of doing this, when everyone, kids included, is addicted…
As winter break approaches, many parents feel their stress levels rise. Not only is there decorating, shopping, and hosting to do, but children often have their own to-do lists of final school projects, overdue homework, and end-of-year…
No matter who you are or where you live, December is a month steeped in tradition. For most Austinites, December traditions include putting up a Christmas tree, visiting one of the many light shows around town, and exchanging gifts with…
You probably already know that the Trail of Lights has been an Austin holiday staple for more than 60 years. But did you know it didn’t begin as a trail or even a celebration of lights?
Considering how easy it is to take photos these days, sending a picture as a gift might not seem so special. But what if you could transform a cherished photo into a meaningful, creative holiday gift that kids can help make? This parent…
In November, families and outdoor enthusiasts gathered in Zilker Park to celebrate the grand opening of the Violet Crown Trail Mile Zero Trailhead and Education Pavilion. Hosted by Hill Country Conservancy, the Austin Parks and Recreation…
While the holidays are filled with twinkling lights, trays of sweets, and seasonal scents, they also present an exciting and fun opportunity for families to cultivate a healthy habit: shopping local farmers markets.
Each December, Austin families are invited to participate in the Gingerbread History Heroes program, a hands-on holiday tradition that combines creativity with a celebration of Texas history. Children and adults can decorate ornaments…
Creating a home that works better for your everyday needs isn’t about following trends or investing in major renovations. It’s about choosing smart upgrades that improve comfort, safety, and convenience in ways that genuinely matter to you…
Celebrity couples Sergio and Angela Garcia and Chris Harrison and Lauren Zima are joining forces for FORE Kids ATX, a two-day gala and golf fundraiser supporting grieving children in Texas.
The Texas Book Festival celebrates its 30th anniversary with a weekend of literary events in downtown Austin, Nov. 8 and 9. Free and open to the public, the festival will feature more than 300 authors and over 200 events in and around the…
My little four-person unit (six, if you count the dog and cat, Charlie and Pretzel) is probably the closest, most unserious group of people you’ve ever met. Because of my husband’s job, we’ve moved all over Texas. Both of my sons are…
P. Mis hijos de 2, 6 y 12 años siempre parecen transmitir enfermedades durante la temporada de otoño. Parece que siempre hay uno en casa enfermo y sin poder ir a la escuela. ¿Tiene alguna idea para tener un año escolar 2025-2026 saludable…
My children always seem to pass around illnesses during the fall season. It seems like one of them is always home from school due to illness. Do you have any ideas for having a healthy and happy 2025–2026 school year or jump-starting their…
Winter break is on the horizon. Alongside the fun parties and holiday events, there are plenty of days when kids will be out of school with nothing to do. Austin ISD and most area schools are closed for Thanksgiving from Nov. 24 to 28, and…
When you hear the phrase “college application process,” you probably picture high schoolers scrambling to collect recommendation letters, write essays, and hit submit before deadlines. But the journey to winning scholarships begins long…
Pregnancy brings a mix of excitement and nerves, especially for families preparing to welcome a new baby here in Texas. Whether you’re in Austin, Round Rock, or one of the smaller nearby communities, every parent wants to start their…
All mothers and fathers hope that they will never experience an emergency with their baby, but preparation is one of the best ways to protect your child. CPR training for babies gives you the knowledge and assurance to respond when every…
Nursing education is changing as programs now focus on preparing students to think independently, adapt to complex care environments, and respond effectively in different healthcare situations. Clinical exposure and applied training are…
Austin Parks Foundation’s (APF) biannual It’s My Park Day (IMPD) returns Saturday, November 1, with volunteer registration now open. For over 20 years, this citywide event has brought Austinites together to enhance local parks, trails and…
The Heller Awards for Young Artists (HAYA) will take the stage at Bass Concert Hall for the first time in May 2026, marking a significant milestone for the program. Beginning with the 2025-26 season, Texas Performing Arts (TPA) will host…
Stepping Stone School, a 27-time winner of Austin Family magazine’s “Best in Childcare” award, will host its annual Fall Family Festival on October 25 from 10 a.m. to noon at its Leander location. The event is designed to thank local…
If you have a young outdoor lover, you are aware of the curiosity, concentration, and calm that come from being outdoors. Numerous studies have shown that spending at least fifteen minutes a day reduces anxiety and improves overall well…
Many “pandemic babies,” children born during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, are now entering formal school, raising the question of whether their unusual early experiences will affect their success in the classroom.
My ex-wife Julie and I share equal custody of our two children—Violet, 9, and Weston, 11. We each have the kids for two weeks out of the month. We both care about their success and want their homework done well and turned in on time. But…