Austin Kids' Directory Blog
Top 5 Back to School Hacks for Busy Parents
School is back in session and it is sometimes so hard for busy parents (are there any other kind?) to keep up with the daily tasks. Meals, laundry, getting the kids to and from school... all of the details that are necessary to keep a busy family in sync can be overwhelming. It's easy to feel like you need to streamline your daily routine to manage everything effectively. That's why this free printable morning routine can be a lifesaver. Not only does it help teach your kids to get ready in a timely manner each day, but it helps save you time, too.
Click here to download the free printable and hack your morning routine! (Bonus: Read the accompanying blog post to find out why Au Pairs are the #1 back-to-school hack!)
The Children’s Business Fair of Southwest Austin
COULD A TEN-YEAR-OLD INVENT THE NEXT AIRBNB?
Find out at the Children’s Business Fair Southwest Austin, showcasing kids’ entrepreneurial spirit genius! On September 28th from 10:00 AM -1:00PM , the 1st Annual Southwest Austin Children’s Business Fair will host 30 young entrepreneurs at Austin Ridge 7416 W TX-71 Austin, Texas 78735. This event is FREE and open to the public.
Kids create a product or service, develop a brand, build a marketing strategy, and then open for customers at this one-day marketplace. The children are responsible for the setup, sales, and interacting with customers, and any parent seen selling to the customer or promoting the child’s product will result in disqualification from the competition.
This event is sponsored by Acton Academy Southwest Austin, i9sports, Figment Creative, Me & The Bees and Austin Ridge Bible Church SW and the generous support of our donors and volunteers, who all believe that principled entrepreneurs are heroes and role models for the next generation. Whether an entrepreneur is famous, like Elon Musk or Oprah Winfrey, or one of the thousands of unsung business owners across this country, these entrepreneurs are the people who make sacrifices to innovate, create jobs, and serve their communities. “Today’s youth are tomorrow’s business innovators and leaders. The Children’s Business Fair gives students the opportunity to spread their entrepreneurial wings and get a head start on promising business careers,” said Jeff Sandefer, founder of the Acton School of Business, one of the sponsors of the fair. Awards will be presented for “Most Business Potential,” “Most Creative Idea,” and “Most Impressive Presentation.”Both adult sponsors and shockingly articulate kids are available for interviews on camera or off.
For more information, please contact .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or visit https://www.childrensbusinessfair.org/.
10 Tips & Tricks to Tackle the Summer Heat
Don’t let the heat keep you and your family from having a great summer. Although temperatures can soar into the triple digits, there are still plenty of opportunities to stay active in the mornings and evenings, in the shade, in the water or even indoors. By following a few simple tips, you and your family can stay safe while creating a lifetime of great summer memories.
1. Time Your Outside Play – Set times to play outside, when it’s not too hot. Staying active helps release built-up energy. But be on the lookout for signs of overheating, and know what to do when your child gets too hot.
2. Wear Sunscreen – Always use sunscreen when outside, whether it’s sunny or cloudy. UV rays can still burn skin even with no sun. Reapply sunscreen every 2-3 hours, especially if you’re sweating or in the water.
3. Stay hydrated! - It’s easy to get distracted with playing and having a good time, but always take time to have a drink. Carry a water bottle, especially when doing outdoor activities.
4. Be Water Aware – Kids love going to the pool during summer, so it’s important they know how to be safe in and around water. Parents also have a responsibility to watch their kids at all times, even if a lifeguard is on duty. The YMCA offers swimming and water safety classes that give children the skills they need. Financial assistance is also available. To register or find more information, visit www.SinkTheStats.org.
5. Bug Off! – If your child attends summer camp or is just playing outside, make sure they apply bug repellant. Insects can carry illness and bites or stings can be painful. Be cautious around unusual bugs, and don’t let your kids touch them.
6. Stay Nourished – Be sure to pack healthy, nutritious foods to fuel your summer adventures. But don’t forget the opportunities to let kids be involved with cooking meals. Summer is a great time for kids to learn their way around the kitchen. Although, children may not be ready to cook completely on their own, it’s good for them to know the basics and even experiment. The YMCA has parent/child cooking classes to teach kitchen safety and a few basic recipes. To sign up for a class, visit https://www.austinymca.org/programs/nutrition-programs.
7. Summer & Sports Camps – Summer camps and leagues sports are fun ways to stay active and try out new activities. The YMCA offers multiple sports camps and summer leagues for children 4-15 years old. The Y also offers summer day camps or mini camps for kids 4-14 years old at more than 20 area locations. For more information about the camps visit https://www.austinymca.org/programs/camp-information; For sports, visit: https://www.austinymca.org/programs/youth-sports
8. Give Back – Volunteering at food banks or animal shelters teaches responsibility and the importance of giving back to the community. To find family volunteer opportunities, visit https://www.generationserve.org/.
9. Check It Out – Go to the library every week and check out an armful of books. Set aside reading time to read to your child or on their own. Keeping your child’s mind sharp and educated will help prevent summer learning loss.
10. Take It Inside – For those rainy, summer days be ready with a list of fun things to do inside. Collect some cardboard and get creative: build a fort or a rocket ship or castle. Plan an arts and crafts project. Read a book or watch a fun family-friendly movie.
With a little planning, and a focus on safety, kids and families will be guaranteed to have a great summer.
The 2019-20 Field Trip Guide is Now Available!
Looking for more fun activities for your child? Or are you in charge of fundraising for your child's school or group this fall? The Annual Field Trip & Teacher Resource Guide is not just for teachers! This resource is organized by categories like field trips, fundraising, school carnival planning etc. All of the important contact information like addresses, websites, and phone numbers are at your fingertips making it quick and easy to contact the advertisers listed in the guide.
This free annual publication is distributed to public and private schools, childcare locations, doctor's offices, children's retail and children's activity locations in the Austin metro area, Round Rock, Pflugerville, Cedar Park, Leander, Hutto and Georgetown. The Field Trip & Teacher Resource Guide can also be accessed by clicking here for an online version.
Questions about the guide or where you can find a copy near you? Give us a call at 512-263-2916!
Find Camper Jack Giveaway!
The Austin Kid's Directory Find Camper Jack Giveaway is back this June!
First look through a copy of the June issue to find the cute little dog, Camper Jack. You can also hunt for him by looking at our online version at http://austinkidsdirectory.com/directory/flip/. Once you find him just send an email to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) and tell us which ad you found him in and you will be entered into our drawing for some summer FUN prizes like:
* 4 tickets + a parking pass to a Friday Fireworks Round Rock Express Game
* 4 passes for a round of golf at Monster Mini Golf
* 4 tickets to Schlitterbahn New Braunfels
* 4 passes to Playland Skate Center
Drawings will be held each week during the month of June so the earlier you enter, the better your chances! One entry per person! Winners will be notified via email. Good luck!
