Premature Loss: How the Schultz Family Transformed Tragedy Into Hope
As moms, we know to trust our gut. It’s that uneasy feeling, the hairs on the back of our necks, or maybe an urge to ask just a few more questions. But what if there are no answers to those questions? First-time mom, Cyndi Schultz, knew something was wrong as...
Creating the Ultimate Fall Family Fun List
When you think about fall family fun in Austin, you might be expecting a list of events like corn mazes, ghostly outings, and festivals. While those are wonderful options for many families, what I discovered repeatedly when my son was younger is that we needed to look...
Cool STEM Projects for Fall
Fall is back to school time—and a great time to explore STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math). Learning knows no season, but each season brings its own ways to interact with STEAM activities. Monarch Migration Some types of butterflies,...
Karen Ranus: Changing the Mental Health Conversation
AF: Your work as a mental health advocate started in a very personal way. How did your journey begin? KR: About eight and a half years ago, I almost lost my then 18-year-old daughter to suicide as a college freshman. The depression and anxiety had been there in high...
Meet the Family Behind 25 Years of Household Cleaning
This year, Lemi Shine celebrates a quarter of a century of helping homes sparkle. From its roots in Midland, the brand blossomed to become a household name, known first for its dishwashing detergent booster and now for its full product line that includes everything...
A Grand Relationship: The Bond Between Grandparents and Grandchildren is a Win-Win Situation
The bond between children and their grandparents is obvious, heartwarming and universal. “It's the only relationship in which people are crazy about one another simply because they're breathing,” says Dr. Arthur Kornhaber, author of The Grandparent Guide. He says...
National Stepfamily Day: Wisdom from Stepparents
No parent is perfect. And in the case of blended families, the art of step parenting can be even more challenging. According to the U.S. Census, over 50% of US families are remarried or re-coupled. More than 1300 new blended families form every day. Fifty percent of...
How to Organize Your Kids’ School Papers
If you have school-age children, you’ll most likely deal with an ever-growing stack of school papers and artwork this coming school year. Some of the papers may go straight to the recycle bin, but what do you do with the important papers and special artwork you’d like...
This Year, Give Your Kids the “Friendship Challenge”
Growing up, there was a lot my parents did that I hope to improve upon, or even do differently. But the one thing that I appreciate them putting such an emphasis on was people skills. They taught my sisters and I how to get along with anyone, even if they were very...
Preparing for College Isn’t What You Think
You might have seen a college campus or two in your travels, but high school counselor Tara Miller has visited a whopping 70 campuses in the past 15 years. The college and career counselor at Austin High School makes a point of visiting as many as she can, leveraging...
Awesome Austin: 7 Free Museums to Explore With Kids
Maybe you have out-of-town guests to entertain. Or maybe you’re just looking for a new adventure in your hometown. These free museums offer air-conditioned explorations for the whole family, with free admission to boot! SCIENCESheffield Education CenterA...
Something for Everyone: Ways to Keep the Fun Going at a Museum, Zoo or Aquarium
Photo from Cameron Park Zoo.












