This is an amazing act of love put together by my friend Rachel Hobson. It’s a list of free and fun things to do in Austin this summer with kids. Check it out. And submit some ideas if you have some at http://austinfamilyfun.wordpress.com/. This is a much needed and valuable resource!

This is a two part series that offers you both an introduction to toddlerhood and an overview on the whys and ways of staying sane, setting boundaries and having more fun.

We will be offering this 2-part workshop on Thursday May 14 and Thursday May 21 from 7-9pm

Part 1 – Know Thy Toddler: Tips and Tools for Parenting Your 1-3 year old

Let’s face it, parenting a toddler can be very challenging. Being a toddler is hard work, too. In the midst of massive brain and body development, they are asserting their own opinions and desperate to explore the world around them. As a result, this can leave you exhausted and at a loss for how to traverse their emotional terrain.

Toddlerhood is a world unto itself. Join us to learn the ins and outs of this phase of life.

During our time together you will:

• Discover insightful and important information about this exceptional phase of development
• Gain a whole new perspective on what it means to parent a toddler
• Learn why this time of life can be so challenging for parents and how you can make it less so
• Gather useful and effective tools for navigating these years with your growing child in ways that are fun and connected.

Part 2 – The Whys and Ways of Staying Sane, Setting Boundaries and Having More Fun

Are you committed to positive parenting but find yourself at a loss when times are tough between you and your child? Do you wish you had some tools for creating more harmony, cooperation and fun in your home? We’ve got you covered! Join us for this class which will give you a clear understanding of why young children behave as they do, why it pushes your buttons and how to offer support and guidance in ways that foster connection and long-term emotional well-being.

During our time together you will:

• Discover what is happening in your child’s brain that causes them to act the way they do
• Learn why your child’s behavior pushes your buttons
• Learn why it is important and necessary to appropriately express your needs and limits
• Discover the key ingredients of a deep connection with your child
• Gather a set of new tools for creating balanced and joyful family life
• Learn how to get what you want and need from your child by Slowing Down, Connecting and Enjoying life together.

This class will give you a revolutionary developmental approach to positive discipline.

There are two ways to participate in this class: teleclass or in person

To register for the workshop click here

This is the brother that needs help.
Isaac, fondly called Ike, even more fondly called Ike-a-saurus. He is an adorable, sweet, happy bundle of wonderful.

Ike’s mama is the author of Haiku Mama and the amazing blogger behind Haikuoftheday, where you can read a lot of their story in her own words.

Ike’s road has not been easy and was born 13 weeks early.

He was a tiny miracle, beating all of the odds to be healthier than anyone imagined possible. But it was still a long, hard, scary road in the NICU.

And expensive. Oh, so expensive. But the family was so joyful that he made it to the other side of the hard road behind him, that the money troubles they faced just seemed inconsequential.

Finally, Ike got to come home! Hurray! Of course, he could not leave the house, visitors had to be limited, and his health was fragile. Every day felt like an accomplishment. There were many many doctors visits and trips to the ER, adding to the insurmountable medical bills.

And THEN, as if this wonderful family had not been through enough, his Dad’s company decided to lay papa off (along with the rest of his department). No severence. Insurance cut off at midnight the same day.

Now, sweet baby Ike is back in the hospital. After weeks of doctor and ER visits because of a horrible sound he made while breathing, Ike became very very ill. The family has to focus all of their efforts towards getting him better.

If you have a few extra pennies, dollars, stocks or hidden gold bullions that you could put together to send to this family, they would totally appreciate your help. You can donate directly from their Ikeasaurus website. They didn’t want to be “this” family. It’s a tough place. But there they are. And anything we can do to help, will totally go a long way.

Here’s Bernadette and I with six of our dearest friends. This picture was taken last weekend on our camping trip.  All of these beautiful women are slow family mamas and brilliant creatives as well. If you have a few minutes, grab a cup of tea, kick back and peruse their fabulous websites and blogs. From left to right: Kathie Sever, Bernadette Noll, me, Barbara Frisbie, Shannon Lowry,  Liz Garton Scanlon, Lynn Hoare, Sarah Bork Hamilton.