Spring in Central Texas is arguably the most beautiful time of year thanks to an abundance of our state flower, the beautiful bluebonnet. If you’ve ever wondered why you see so many wildflowers along the highways every spring, you can thank the Texas Department of...

    If you have a pre-teen in your house, you know that they like to be silly, hang out with friends and still need parents to help them plan just about all their activities. So, without breaking the bank or putting extra stress on your schedule, how can...

    My kids’ rooms sometimes resemble a frat house. But instead of empty beer cans and pizza boxes, my kids have 10 water bottles and half-eaten peanut butter and jelly sandwiches scattered throughout their space. I know that parents have complained about...

  Looking for a free, fun activity that will get the family outside and in adventure mode? Try geocaching. Geocaching combines the thrill of treasure hunting with the ability to find specific locations utilizing Global Positioning System (GPS). GPS was made...

December is touted as the “Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” but parents know it’s really the “Most Jam-Packed Time of the Year.” With Christmas parties, winter recitals, and travel plans galore, it’s a wonder that any family can fit in holiday traditions, much less...

  Holiday traditions can be a source of joy that families look forward to each year—turkey carving, parades, reunions with family, all of these things fill our hearts. But as the calendar rolls around to November, you might find yourself wanting to replace some...

October is here, and for live music lovers from around the world, October in Austin means the Austin City Limits Music Festival. For two weekends our airport is bustling and Zilker Park is overflowing with happy festivalgoers. Some people assume ACL isn’t a place for...

  We all know that pets become part of the family when they enter our homes, but beyond simply being a loving pet, animals can also serve as therapeutic tools for children struggling with emotional issues like anxiety and depression. Such pets are referred to as...

  Feeling loved helps children overcome many obstacles, contributing to a feeling of well-being that will help them excel in school, friendships and all other areas of their lives. “Often, parents assume that their kids just ‘know’ they are loved, or that saying...

  Traveling is a great way to enjoy new experiences, learn about the world, bond with your family and take a break from the monotony of long summer days. Since the cost of travel can be prohibitive, many families don’t get away as frequently as they’d like or...

How do smart parents determine the best time to give their child a smartphone? Is the “Wait Until 8th” approach best, or should the decision be based on factors other than age? No matter where you land in the debate, one thing is certain - smartphones are here to...

Austin has so much to offer families who want some summer fun, but what else is out there? Turns out that one hour north, east, south and west of Austin yield some great summer adventure zones, each with a slightly different appeal. Fill up your gas tank, pack your...