Toys are important, toys are fun.
Some toys are amazing and enriching to a child's imagination, learning and creativity.
But: Many toys are just something that gets wrapped up in pretty paper, so your child has something to rip into on Christmas morning, or on their birthday, or on any other gift-inspired holiday. These toys often last only for a short time, are forgotten in no time, and end up on the landfill.
Austin is an amazing city to raise kids.
The Austin area has so much to give and offers some fantastic toy-alternatives that serve your children (and your entire family) well.
By
Birgit Sund on November 20, 2023
Obviously, this is a difficult time for everybody and many local businesses are getting hit extremely hard. We therefore want to use our little platform and help in any way we can.
We asked local businesses to let us know of any products, services, or activities they're currently offering, that can help Austin families keep their kids busy and make this time as enjoyable as possible for their kids and their whole family. In the coming days, we will be introducing those offers on our blog. Sign up for our
newsletter, so you don't miss any of these awesome deals.
Read about Live Interactive Online Spanish Classes with Mi Casa Es Tu Casa.
By
Birgit Sund on March 25, 2020
Have you ever taken your kids to the Home Depot Kids Workshops? If they like crafts and wood working, this is the perfect place to spend a fun Saturday morning and some quality time with your kiddos (and to unleash your inner lumberjack).
Read on for details, tips, and to see some of our master pieces.
By
Birgit Sund on January 21, 2020
Psychological studies continue to uncover more and more benefits that music lessons as well as multilingualism provide to developing minds. Studies found that kids who take music lessons "have better cognitive skills and school grades and are more conscientious, open and ambitious." and learning a foreign language "develops enhanced executive control, or the ability to effectively manage what are called higher cognitive processes, such as problem-solving, memory, and thought".
Austin's best-rated baby and toddler classes from
Mi Casa Es Tu Casa® are one big treasure hidden in Austin for all the families who are interested in exposing their little ones to Spanish and music at the same time.
By
Birgit Sund on December 6, 2019
We are a big supporter of the idea of raising kids bilingual as well as introducing them to music at an early age. We did or are doing both. Obviously, our kids have an advantage since their Mama is a true German girl and they have been exposed to the German language since birth, but parents don't need to be able to speak a foreign language in order to raise a bilingual child.
You also don't need to be a musician to raise a musical kid, in fact, we participated in an early childhood music & movement program and learned that it is less important how well you sing than it is to model making the choice to sing.
Wouldn't be amazing if there was a program that introduces your child to both, music and a foreign language? Well, there is. Read on for more information.
By
Birgit Sund on December 5, 2018
Free Family-Friendly Event to Help You Find The Right School for Your Child
If you’re reading this, you’ve probably browsed through the 697 childcare providers in the Child Care category and/or the 385 schools in our Schools category of our kid- and family-friendly business directory before (if not, you can do so here).
Now, if you want to get some face time with some of those schools, get your questions answered, or get a feel how the schools operate on a daily basis, the upcoming Austin School Expo is a great opportunity to interact one-on-one with school administrators from public and private schools. Read on for details.
By
Birgit Sund on September 27, 2017
Music Forever Music Together offers classes using an internationally recognized, research-based music and movement program that offers infants, toddlers, preschoolers and the adults that love them a chance to enjoy their natural birthrights as musical beings.
Our classes are loads of fun, but most important, they build on children’s natural enthusiasm for music and support all areas of learning. In our classes, you will wiggle, giggle and bond with your child! So come and beat the heat with us! There's no time like summertime to make music and friends! Read on to find out more about their summer session.
By
Birgit Sund on June 2, 2017
Are you expecting or recently had a baby? Come join us Saturday, May 6th for The Big Baby Bash!
The Big Baby Bash is a free and informative expo for planning, prenatal to preschool parents. Don’t miss out on testing the latest gear, learning from local Austin experts, meeting other new and soon-to-be parents in your area, and going home with the latest products on the market.
Highlights for parents & parents-to-be include 3 free seminars, goodie bag giveaways to the first 100 people and a spin on the raffle prize wheel where you could win a car seat, stroller & tons of other wonderful prizes! Read on for details.
By
Birgit Sund on April 28, 2017
Are you looking for things to do with your little one(s)? Then this might be for you. Music Forever Music Together is offering Mommy-and-Me / Parent-Child music and movement classes for children ages 0-5 this spring.
Find out more about their upcoming free sample classes and enter for a chance to win 10 weeks of free classes.
By
Birgit Sund on February 21, 2017
BabyEarth will be hosting its semi-annual Baby University Event on Saturday, November 5th from 9am-3pm. Baby University is geared
toward expectant couples and new parents. The day will be full of
educational seminars, hands on workshops, and an interactive Q&A
session. Each attendee will receive a gift bag and be entered to win
great raffle prizes!
Read on for details about the event and on how to win one of two free tickets.
By
Birgit Sund on October 14, 2016